Transformation criteria and conversion proposal for the disused narrow-gauge railway track "Athens-Corinth- Kiato-Patras" Lucio Zazzara*, Federico D’Amico**, Marietta Vrotsos***
The need to abandon narrow-gauge railway systems has often led governments to define new paths. The track wrecks are frequently an invaluable asset for their strategic position with respect to natural resources and to meet the strong increase in demand for alternative mobility. A case of particular interest in this scenario is represented by the former narrow-gauge railway track "Athens-Corinth-Kiato-Patras" and its ramifications. The principal objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the reuse of this track is eligible to be a strategic plan with respect to the emerging demand for cultural and eco-friendly tourism. Research is also aimed at making feasible a linear park for renewable energy production. Based on literature and results of contemporary experiments in railway conversion, a set of indicators was selected for the purpose of assessing a realistic cost-benefit analysis of the proposed program. The indicators were also applied to adopt a Multi-Year Programme of Work (MYPW) capable of allowing administrators to realize the proposed program in the medium term of three to eight years. Our results demonstrate that a) the project would implement an important bike path running through a territory rich in points of natural, historic and cultural interest for tourism activities; b) immediate feasibility due to the existence of the track is associated with the possibility of developing facility centers in correspondence of the numerous urban intersections; c) the development of linear systems for renewable energy is feasible: PV linear parks could adopt different technological solutions to partially shade paths or use innovative solutions such as photovoltaic floors particularly in urban areas. Conclusions are drawn that proposed system is capable of managing the proposed railway reuse through the adoption of a master-plan, the realization of specific parts, and restoration of existing structures also through episodic projects.
* Associate Professor, Department of Environment, Networks and Territory, University of Chieti-Pescara, ITALY ** PhD candidate, Department of Environment, Networks and Territory, University of Chieti-Pescara, ITALY *** M.Arch. (Master of Architecture)