23.06.2023

Porr wins major contract for Elbe crossing in SuedLink project in Germany

The SuedLink project to construct a powerful direct current transmission line is vital to ensure a secure, stable power supply in the future. It will transport renewable power from wind farms in northern Germany to the south of the country and is a necessary step in the energy transition. The plans for the SuedLink project include a tunnel crossing under the Elbe River. TenneT TSO GmbH, a leading European transmission system operator, has engaged Porr’s tunnelling division for the challenging task of establishing the SuedLink connection under the Elbe between Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.  

Market-Place-4.0 Skanska Strabag SE Costain Group

22.06.2023

Progress on HS2s Copthall Green Tunnel as Western portal is complete

Progress on HS2s Copthall Green Tunnel as Western portal is complete (Credits: HS2)

The Copthall Tunnel is one of five green tunnels on the HS2 route

Engineers working on the HS2 project are celebrating progress as they have completed the western portal of the Copthall Green Tunnel. Located in Hillingdon, the 880m long tunnel structure sits between the twin bored Northolt Tunnel and the Colne Valley Viaduct.

The Copthall Tunnel is one of five green tunnels on the HS2 route, which are shallower tunnels which will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs on top – helping them blend into the natural landscape. Materials from the excavation are kept on site and then reused on the tunnel surroundings, reducing movement of spoil.

HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor, Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture, are completing the works with their sub-contractor Kilnbridge. So far, the western portal walls, spanning 110m have been completed, along with a further 240metres of walls for the tunnel.

The team initially excavated around 20 metres down from ground level, before installing piles for the foundations of the tunnel. The structure is then being constructed with a base slab, walls and a roof.

The tunnel is being constructed using reinforced concrete - tied steel bars with concrete poured around to form a strong box structure - allowing the trains to pass through and enabling green landscaping above. To create the roof of the box tunnel, a 40m long temporary deck is positioned between the box walls all supported by a moving gantry frame called a ‘roof traveller’. The roof traveller and deck temporarily support the construction and pouring of the concrete roof. Once the roof has gained sufficient strength, the roof traveller is lowered and moved along 20m to the next section of roof. The process is then repeated.

As part of the works in this area, Harvil Road is being realigned, and will travel over the western end of the Copthall Tunnel. The deck for the road realignment has already been installed and the realigned Harvil Road is due to open in late 2023.

Malcolm Codling, HS2’s Client Director for the London Tunnels, said: “The Copthall Tunnel is a vital part of the HS2 route in Hillingdon and once complete will blend into the local landscape as one of HS2’s green tunnels. Our London tunnels contractor SCS JV is making great progress in its construction, all part of the momentum of HS2’s delivery between Old Oak Common and Birmingham.”

James Richardson, Managing Director of Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture, said: “Combining an ambitious tunnel design, engineering expertise, and high-quality construction, Copthall Tunnel is a fantastic example of how we are building the railway in harmony with the environment. Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture can deliver this key part of HS2 London Tunnels thanks to great partnerships and a collaborative approach to every stage of construction."

HS2 will be using the material excavated for the Copthall Tunnel to create sustainable wildlife habitats near the tunnel, as part of wider landscaping programme in the area.

Source: HS2

#HS2 #United Kingdom (GB) #tunnel portal #Skanska #Costain Group #Strabag SE #Tunnelling

                     

22.06.2023

Delhi Metro to operate and maintain Mumbai Metro´s Underground Line-3

Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) has awarded the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) a 10-year contract to operate and maintain its underground Line-3, after Delhi Metro emerged as the lowest bidder in the tendering process recently.  

21.06.2023

First Nations stars recognised at QRC Indigenous Awards

The extraordinary talent among the Queensland resources sector’s First Nations workforce has been recognised at the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) 2023 Indigenous Awards in Brisbane.  

21.06.2023

Implenia wins two complex transport infrastructure projects

• Implenia awarded two major civil engineering contracts in German-speaking Switzerland
• Improvements to motorway junction with extensive noise protection in Zurich
• Complex new bridge in Winterthur
• Contracts worth around CHF 100 million

Implenia has won two large and complex civil engineering contracts in Zurich and Winterthur.