Brenner Base Tunnel: Excavation Complete in Austria, 90% Done

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Introduction

The excavation of the main tunnel sections in the Austrian construction lot H41 Sillschlucht–Pfons for the Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) has been completed, with a celebration near the Europabrücke attended by Tyrol’s Regional Councillor for Mobility René Zumtobel and representatives of the construction contractors.

Completion of Excavation in Lot H41

The recent breakthrough marks the completion of all main tunnel drives within the Sillschlucht–Pfons lot. This event follows the project’s first cross-border connection on 18 September and the breakthroughs of TBMs Ida and Lilia. Currently, only two TBMs, Wilma and Olga, remain in operation, working on the west and east main tunnels in the Pfons–Brenner lot.

Progress Overview

With the latest breakthrough, approximately 90% of excavation works across the entire Brenner Base Tunnel project are now complete. The TBM “Lilia” reached the municipality of Navis on 6 October. Pupils from the St. Peter/Ellbögen primary school and the Matrei secondary school, who named the two TBMs “Lilia” and “Ida” in 2023, were invited to the celebration.

Contractor and Project Management Comments

From the contractor side, Erwin Scherer, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia, acknowledged the achievement. Project manager Romed Insam acknowledged the participation of the schoolchildren, recalling their involvement in naming the TBMs and decorating tunnel segments for the Ahrental site.

Future Stages

Less than nine kilometres of excavation remain, all located within the final Austrian lot. The focus will now shift to track, systems, and railway equipment installation. The next few years will concentrate on further expansion and the final completion of this tunnel section between the Sillschlucht and Pfons, with commissioning expected in 2032.

Conclusion

The excavation of the main tunnel sections in the Austrian construction lot H41 Sillschlucht–Pfons has been completed, marking a significant milestone for the Brenner Base Tunnel project, with approximately 90% of excavation works now finished. The project is preparing for the next phase of track, systems, and railway equipment installation, with the goal of commissioning in 2032.

Company Summary

BBT SE: The management team of the Brenner Base Tunnel project.

Implenia: A construction contractor, with Erwin Scherer as Head Division Civil Engineering.

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