By Rose Bell
The “H21 Sill Gorge construction lot” is located just a few kilometers south of Innsbruck; despite the line’s short length, around 600 meters, this lot is distinguished by logistical and structural obstacles.
The excavation of the cut-and-cover tunnels and building of the two railway bridges over the Sill river is currently underway after the two major tunnels, measuring 120 and 130 meters in length, east, and west, respectively, were completed. The design of the two bridges features a composite steel truss and girder structure, each of which is 9 meters high.
After around 60 meters, the 130-meter-long “Silltal” tunnel splits into two distinct tunnels coming from the north. The goal of connecting the northern portal of the Brenner Base Tunnel to this tunnel is to build two railway bridges over the Sill river, one for the east track and one for the west track, whose construction started in the fall of this year.
A significant engineering problem, according to Martin Keinprecht, project manager at BBT SE, is the building of the two bridges in the Sill Gorge. At the same time, it is essential to protect a unique place like the Sill Gorge, which is so famous among Innsbruck inhabitants and others.
To preserve most of the original characteristics of the area impacted by the project as possible, the currently in progress work is planned to be uniformly embedded into the environment.
The Brenner Base Tunnel’s planned northern portal will be a crucial intersection for train traffic. Nevertheless, it will maintain the unique natural features that have made it a landmark for locals who choose to access it via the many dedicated hiking paths.
