An important milestone has been reached at the Brenner Base Tunnel: the breakthrough of the exploratory tunnel establishes the first underground connection between Austria and Italy. Around 1,000 guests from politics, the EU and the construction industry took part in the celebrations. iC was involved in vibration and immission measurements, thus supporting the safe progress of construction.
European key project in the heart of the Alps
With a length of 64 kilometres, the Brenner Base Tunnel will be the longest railway tunnel in the world. The 57.5-kilometre-long exploratory tunnel is located about twelve metres below the future main tubes and fulfils a central function: it enables geological investigations, serves as a transport route for materials and can be used as an emergency escape route. The breakthrough now establishes a continuous tunnel connection under the Brenner Pass for the first time.
Technical key figures for the tunnel project
The exploratory tunnel was driven from both sides – from the Wolf and Mauls access tunnels. Over a distance of 29 kilometres, the deviation is only a few centimetres, a technical precision achievement in tunnel construction. Three tunnel boring machines were used, covering a total of more than 40 kilometres, with the remaining sections being excavated using traditional mining methods. In total, over 200 kilometres of the planned tunnel system have already been completed.
Unique concept with an impact on the climate and the region
The concept of a separate exploratory tunnel of this length is unique worldwide. It enables particularly precise planning and increases the operational safety of the future tunnel. Once completed, the base tunnel will shift millions of tonnes of freight from road to rail and provide lasting relief for the Alpine regions. It will thus make a significant contribution to European climate policy.
Status and outlook
The breakthrough marks the achievement of a key milestone. Before the tunnel can be put into operation, the main tubes must be completed and the tunnel's technical equipment installed. Once operational, the tunnel will speed up rail traffic between Austria and Italy and strengthen the European north-south corridor in the long term.
