NEWS

With the breakthrough by the TBM known as 'Lilia', which took place on October 6th at around 12.40 p.m. in the municipality of Navis (Wipptal), the BBT project took a further important step forward. This marked the completion of the east main tunnel of the 'H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons' lot was completed.

Since its start from Ahrental in May 2023, the 160-metre-long, 2,420-tonne TBM has excavated 8.1 kilometres of rock tunnel. During this journey into the heart of the Alps, the TBM intersected some very complex geological zones and passed the test with flying colours. The breakthrough point is located in the area of the previously driven 'Iris' bypass, in the direction of the adjacent 'H53 Pfons-Brenner' lot. Lilia's twin TBM, named 'Ida', had reached the same point at the end of August in the west main tunnel.

The breakthrough set off enthusiastic celebrations among the miners: the completion of the mechanised excavation work was celebrated by everyone involved. The project company BBT SE, which commissioned the work, and the temporary consortium ARGE H41 Sillschlucht-Pfons expressed their satisfaction at the success they have achieved together and emphasised that it is due to excellent cooperation. The excavation of the main tunnels using mechanised and conventional methods in the H41 Sill Gorge-Pfons lot has thus come to an end.

Of the original nine TBMs used in the entire BBT project, only 'Wilma' and 'Olga' in the adjacent Austrian 'H53 Pfons-Brenner' lot are currently still operational.