By rosebell
In order to installing slab track Semmering Base Tunnel, ÖBB-Infrastruktur has granted a Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group and Porr Group joint venture a €76m contract.
Installation of 55km of slab track in the 27.3km twin-bore, as well as ballasted track, noise protection, substructure and steel construction, earthworks, concrete and ceiling works, and turnouts in both slab track and ballast track at the tunnel portals, are the contents of this contract.
The date of commencing planning and production of the track supporting slabs by joint venture will be June this year, whereas construction is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
While currently the two companies are responsible for the railway technology for the tunnel under the joint venture BTA Semmering Basistunnel 4.1, they are installing telecommunications, high-voltage systems, distribution systems, lighting, emergency escape signage, and mechanical systems for air conditioning, ventilation, and fire suppression.
According to Porr CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss: “Once completed, trains will travel through the Semmering Base Tunnel at speeds of up to 230km/h. This means that these rail tracks must deliver top performance.Within the joint venture, we are applying our extensive expertise in railway construction. The well-established Slab Track Austria system, developed by ÖBB and Porr, will be implemented to ensure the highest track quality and precision while minimising maintenance requirements.”
Being built from five locations, the Semmering Base Tunnel’s construction involves 14 drives, for the ÖBB-Infrastruktur. Connecting the two federal states of Lower Austria and Styria, the twin-tube railway tunnel between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag is due to inaugurate in 2030.
