Orange Books Mexico City Metro
In 1967, construction began on the first 41.5 km of the Mexico City Metro system. Ten years later, the Commission for Roadways and Urban Transport (COVITUR) was created, a body under the Department of the Federal District (DDF). Its primary functions were to create the necessary infrastructure for expanding the metro system and coordinate the actions required to improve transportation in Mexico City. These activities were based on the Federal District’s Roadways and Transport Plan, which was launched in 1980.
Within this master plan, particular importance was given to the metro, the backbone of the collective transport system. By 1986, the metro had reached a total length of 120 kilometers, placing the Mexico City Metro among the ten longest metro systems in the world at the time.
Alongside these essential activities, a specific technology was developed for the Mexico City Metro. It involved all branches of engineering related to its design and construction, adapted to the unique characteristics of the subsoil in the Valley of Mexico.
In order to have a document that would regulate the technical, legal, and administrative aspects of the metro’s construction project, COVITUR, in compliance with the Public Works Law and the rules for drafting and integrating public works norms and specifications, decided to create and publish the specifications for the design and construction of the Mexico City Metro lines, known as the Orange Books of the Mexico City Metro. These specifications are based on the ones used for the design and construction of the existing lines at the time, modified to adapt to potential future solutions in upcoming metro line projects. As a result, these specifications summarize nearly 20 years of experience in designing and constructing the metro network.
The specifications cover the legal and administrative aspects for contracting and project execution, including the preliminary bidding procedures. They also detail the elements and procedures for estimating project costs, measuring executed work, and determining payment methods. Additionally, the roles of those in charge of the project and construction are clearly defined to ensure their actions and activities align with the legal framework.
The specifications for the design and construction of the Mexico City Metro lines (Orange Books of the Mexico City Metro) were divided into three volumes, summarized below:
Volume One
Book 1 Generalities and Terminology
Book 2 Civil and Electromechanical Works Project
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Volume Two
Book 3 Construction and Installations: Civil and Electromechanical Works
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Volume Three
Book 4 Quality of Materials: Civil and Electromechanical Works
Book 5 Quality of Equipment and Systems: Electromechanical Works
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