Tunnel breakthrough in Vienna! First U2 tube successfully dug

Tunnel breakthrough in Vienna! First U2 tube successfully dug

Augustinplatz, 1070 Wien, Österreich - Yesterday the Viennese celebrated significant progress in expanding public transport. The "Debohra" tunnel template machine has successfully dug the first tunnel tube for the new U2. This happened at Augustinplatz in the 7th district. According to vienna.at The first section between Matzleinsdorfer Platz and Neubaugasse was completed. Another milestone as part of the U2xu5 project, which is considered a central component of Viennese infrastructure development.

The "Debohra", heavy like a small elephant with its 1,300 tons and an impressive cutting wheel diameter of seven meters, has moved quite a bit. Over 83,000 cubic meters of soil were removed and 1,495 Tübbing rings with a total of 8,970 Tübbingen were installed. In one day, the machine managed around ten meters on average before it was holding after almost two kilometers on its destination, Augustinplatz. No own subway station is being built here, but a track change and an emergency exit are on the plan, reports ots .

The future of Viennese local transport

With the expansion of the U2, Vienna can soon benefit from significantly improved traffic connections. The new route will combine the U2 stations Matzleinsdorfer Platz, Reinprechtsdorfer Straße, Pilgramgasse and Neubaugasse. But that's not all: the entire route should be extended from 2030 to the seaside city and in a further construction phase to the Wienerberg. It is estimated that the U2xu5 will offer a capacity of up to 300 million additional passengers per year, which also plays an important role in terms of climate protection. Up to 75,000 tons of CO2 can be saved on optimized trips. a3bau emphasizes the environmental advantages that this expansion brings.

The challenges in tunnel construction should not be underestimated: the construction team works around the clock in shift operation to comply with the narrow schedule. Logistical hurdles must be mastered in the supply and removal of materials, especially in the cramped alleys around the Neubaugasse, where space is often in short supply.

A look into the future

After the successful completion of the first tunnel tube, the "Debohra" will now be brought out of the tunnel for maintenance work and some disassembly before the propulsion for the second tube is to begin in autumn 2025. The construction work is part of a larger plan to expand the subway network in Vienna. All work should be completed by 2028, whereby the next construction level will last until 2030.

The expansion of the subway is not only a necessary step for the transport infrastructure, but also a long-term sign of environmentally conscious urban development. Vienna's CEO of the Porr, Karl-Heinz Strauss, emphasizes the importance of this project for the future of the city. By bringing people more efficient and environmentally friendly from A to B, a better quality of life for all city residents will be expected in the future.