Sochi Completes Key Olympic Construction Works Ahead of Schedule
Russia’s bid inaugurates a new runway at Sochi InterSochi, Russia, June 1, 2007 – national Airport and a new electric substation in Krasnaya Polyana
Sochi, Russia, June 1, 2007 – Just days before the International Olympic Committee releases their evaluation of the capabilities of the three cities bidding to host the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Sochi 2014 demonstrated its ability to deliver on its commitment to the International Olympic Committee today with the inauguration of a new runway at Sochi International Airport and a new electric substation in Krasnaya Polyana.
At the two inauguration ceremonies held today, the stellar attendance by key Government officials was a testament to their unwavering support of Sochi 2014. Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov, Presidential Plenipotentiary envoy to the Southern Federal District Dmitry Kozak, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin, the Governor of the Krasnodar Region Alexander Tkachev, President of the Russian Olympic Committee Leonid Tyagachev and Sochi 2014 Bid Committee CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko were all on hand to personally applaud the completion of the two construction works.
The large-scale construction works at the airport began last October and have mobilized over 1,200 experts, using 100 pieces of machinery and 140,000 tons of concrete. Completed works include resurfacing and widening the runway, reconstructing the terminal apron and parking, reconstructing the taxiways, expanding the drain and sewage system and upgrading the light signal equipment. The runway which now measures 2,890 meters in length and is 60 meters wide will now be able to accommodate all types of planes.
Sochi 2014 Bid Committee CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko said at the inauguration ceremony:
“I am proud to be here today to witness the progress that has already been made at the airport in such a short time. The Sochi 2014 Games plan will be a winning success because of the kind of hard work and commitment to excellence that I have seen at the Sochi International Airport. As we gear up for the IOC’s decision of a host city, I am pleased to point to our construction successes as proof that the region is more than capable of delivering an outstanding Games in 2014.”
The completion of the “Poselkovaya” substation in Krasnaya Polyana, an important step in the updating of the power supply and generation for the region, was the second inauguration on the day’s agenda. The substation’s construction was also provided for in the FTP and was finished in just six months, instead of the two years allotted for completion. The 3-star Karusel Hotel complex, already under construction, will be the first venue to benefit from the new electric substation. The Karusel complex will be completed in 2010 and will consist of 2,150 rooms that will be used to accommodate the media, should Sochi win the right to host the Games in 2014. The completion of the new substation will also enable the Karusel ski lift to become operational by the end of 2007.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov commented:
“Sochi 2014 continues to be a national priority for the Russian Government. We approved the Federal Target Programme for the Development of Sochi, a comprehensive plan aimed at upgrading the city to the level of a year-round, world-class destination of Sochi, one year ago in June 2006, and as you can see, it has already delivered significant results. The reconstruction works at the Sochi International Airport are just one part of Sochi 2014’s innovative and far-reaching Games plan, but if given the honor of being chosen as an Olympic host, I can assure you that all projects will likewise be completed on time and within budget.”