Poland High-Speed Rail: Lodz Tunnel & Slab Track Austria

PORR Awarded $468 Million Contract for High-Speed Rail Tunnel in Lodz, Poland

In a major boost to Poland’s high-speed rail ambitions, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) and construction firm PORR have finalized a €468 million ($468 million USD) contract to construct a 4.6 km high-speed railway tunnel in Lodz. This pivotal project, announced on June 30, 2025, is a critical component of the “Y” railway line, designed to connect Warsaw and the new Central Airport with Lodz. The tunnel aims to significantly reduce travel times and enhance regional connectivity. This article will delve into the key aspects of this ambitious project, including the innovative construction methodologies, the strategic importance of the “Y” railway line, and the implications for Poland’s high-speed rail network, exploring the Who (PORR and CPK), What (4.6km tunnel), When (48-month construction timeline), Where (Lodz, Poland), Why (Enhance connectivity) and How (Utilizing a 3,200t Tunnel Boring Machine and advanced track technology).

A Groundbreaking Tunnel Design

The tunnel, poised to be Poland’s longest railway tunnel, will stretch from the “Retkinia” launch shaft to the “Fabryczna” exit shaft. This single-section design is the widest of its kind in Poland, engineered to accommodate trains traveling at speeds up to 160 km/h in both directions. The excavation process will utilize a massive 3,200-tonne tunnel boring machine (TBM) featuring a 14-meter diameter cutterhead. This technology promises efficient and precise excavation through challenging geological conditions, minimizing disruption to the urban environment. The project also includes the construction of five supply shafts, the inner shells for the launch and exit shafts, along with crucial infrastructure elements such as water, wastewater, electrical, telecommunications, and fire protection systems, alongside necessary road construction and site development around the shafts.

Innovative Track Technology: Slab Track Austria

A noteworthy innovation incorporated into the project is the deployment of PORR’s Slab Track Austria technology. This marks a first for Polish railway tunnels. This system substitutes traditional ballast and sleepers with prefabricated concrete slabs, significantly enhancing the durability and stability of the track. This advanced approach minimizes noise and vibrations, making the line suitable for high-speed operations up to 400 km/h. The implementation of Slab Track Austria showcases PORR’s commitment to delivering high-quality, long-lasting infrastructure that meets the demands of modern high-speed rail networks. This selection underlines the project’s focus on longevity and minimal maintenance, crucial for the efficient operation of high-speed lines.

Geotechnical and Structural Safeguards

Acknowledging the challenges of constructing a tunnel beneath a dense urban area, the project incorporates robust measures to mitigate potential risks. These measures include the implementation of geotechnical reinforcements and structural safeguards designed to prevent ground settlement, thereby ensuring the stability of surrounding buildings. A sophisticated geodetic monitoring system will continuously track structural conditions throughout the project’s duration. Alongside this, experts will conduct thorough assessments of the technical state of buildings located along the tunnel route. This commitment to comprehensive monitoring and risk management underscores the project’s adherence to the highest safety standards and minimizes the impact on the urban environment.

Strategic Importance and Future Connectivity

The Lodz tunnel is a cornerstone of the “Y” railway line, slated to connect Warsaw and the CPK Airport with Lodz by 2032. Further expansion is planned, with anticipated high-speed rail connections to Wroclaw and Poznan by 2035. CPK CEO Dr. Filip Czernicki highlighted the dual-use nature of the project, constructed to both civilian and military standards, aligning with the safety regulations of the Polish government and the European Union. The project, in conjunction with the development of CPK Airport and the associated road network, will reshape the Polish transportation landscape and enhance regional integration.

Conclusion

The $468 million contract awarded to PORR for the high-speed rail tunnel in Lodz signifies a significant step forward for Poland’s high-speed rail ambitions. The project not only promises to enhance connectivity but also introduces innovative technologies like Slab Track Austria, setting a new standard for railway construction in Poland. The strategic importance of the “Y” railway line, connecting major cities and the CPK Airport, will transform regional transportation and boost economic growth. The comprehensive approach, including advanced construction methods and thorough monitoring systems, demonstrates a commitment to safety and sustainability. This project’s successful completion will serve as a model for future railway infrastructure development, solidifying Poland’s position as a leader in European high-speed rail. The integration of cutting-edge technology and a focus on long-term viability ensures that the “Y” railway line will play a crucial role in Poland’s transportation network for decades to come.

Company Summary: PORR

PORR, with a long-standing presence in railway infrastructure construction across Europe, brings extensive expertise to the Lodz project. They have built dozens of kilometers of railway tunnels and have a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability, demonstrated by the implementation of Slab Track Austria, positions them as a key player in the evolving European railway landscape.