H53 Pfons-Brenner site: first tubbing rings arrive at the construction site

At the H53 Pfons-Brenner construction site, the arrival of the first tubbing rings represents a major milestone. Unlike the neighboring H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons lot, where tubbing rings are produced directly on-site, the H53 site faces spatial limitations. To address this, an innovative rail solution was implemented for transporting these essential components, ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly logistics.

The production of over 54,000 tubbing rings has been assigned to the Max Bögl Group in Sengenthal, Bavaria. These rings are crucial for the final lining of the two main tunnels in the H53 Pfons-Brenner construction lot. Installation will be carried out by two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), named Wilma and Olga, which are set to begin their northward journey in September 2024, each covering a distance of approximately 7.5 kilometers.

As the TBMs are being assembled, the first tubbing rings have begun arriving at the construction site in Steinach am Brenner via rail. Christoph Mellitzer, deputy project manager for the BBT on the Pfons-Brenner stretch, emphasized the need for this approach due to the restricted space on-site. This collaboration with the Max Bögl Group, which utilizes rail transport, effectively avoids the environmental impact associated with road transport.

The H53 Pfons-Brenner lot, the largest in the Austrian project area, stands out for its state-of-the-art engineering solutions designed to preserve the natural habitats in the vicinity. The transportation of 530,000 tonnes of tubbing rings and the forthcoming deployment of TBMs Wilma and Olga highlight the progress and ambitious nature of this significant infrastructure project.