PORR begins widening the 19th-century tunnel in Trzcińsk

Fundamental works in the tunnel near Trzcińsk have started. After securing the facility and preparing the track for efficient train passage, a modern "TEM" machine was used to implement the investment. The device weighs 120 tons, measures approx. 22 m and moves at a speed of 1 m/min. The "tunnel-in-tunnel" technology allows the rock material to be chiselled - the tunnel to be widened to the required dimensions - and the concrete to be sprayed onto the walls. The housing of the device creates a space that allows safe rail traffic without additional track shields, which in turn minimizes changes in communication during the works. The working machine was given the name Katarzyna, in reference to St. Catherine of Alexandria, in accordance with the tradition of giving tunnel boring machines female names.

The investment will increase the possibilities of railways in Lower Silesia. The reconstruction includes a thorough renovation and strengthening of an approx. 300 m tunnel on the route between Wrocław and Jelenia Góra. The facility will be extended from the current approx. 8.3 m to over 11 m. Simultaneous trains will be able to run on both tracks, which is currently not possible due to applicable regulations. The stone casing of the facility will be demolished and replaced with a stronger reinforced concrete structure. Retaining walls will be renovated along with drainage. Efficient railway traffic will be ensured by new tracks and traction network.

- I am pleased to say that the implementation of tunnel investments is something that distinguishes PORR on the construction market. We have experience in various technologies, which are each time adapted to the project. In the case of the modernization of the 300-meter tunnel in Trzcińsk, a TEM (tunnel-in-tunnel) machine will be used for the first time in Poland, which has already been used several times in the renovation of railway tunnels in Austria and Germany. Thanks to it, it will be possible to carry out the works efficiently and safely, and most importantly, to maintain the passability of the line with the use of the catenary, which will minimize travel difficulties for the local community and tourists. The main goal of the renovation is to widen the tunnel by about 3 meters. This will enable trains to pass each other in the tunnel, which will improve the line capacity on the Janowice Wielkie-Wojanów route. Under the contract, the end walls of the tunnel will also be reconstructed and the track surface and traction network will be replaced on a section of approximately 2 km. As a result, after the modernization, trains will run at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. So 60 km/h faster than before - said Siegfried Weindok, Member of the Management Board of PORR S.A. responsible for railway construction.

The Trzciński Tunnel is an approx. 300 m object from the mid-19th century. It is located under a hill in the Dziwiszów Hills, several kilometers from Jelenia Góra, on the section Janowice Wielkie - Wojanów (railway line Wrocław Świebodzki - Zgorzelec, no. 274). It is used in passenger and freight traffic, e.g. to operate open-pit mines.

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