By rosebell
As an indication for the start of the move to mechanised tunneling,the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) with a diameter of 5m, an overall length of 178m and a total weight of about 700t, for DB InfraGO’s major second main line project in Munich, Germany has been ordered, whereas the Main Station Tunnel consortium has commissioned this machine.
With the aim of excavating almost 3km exploratory and rescue tunnel between Donnersberger Bridge and Marienhof, deployment in Munich is scheduled from September 2026.
According to overall project manager Kai Kruschinski-Wüst: “With the order of the first tunnel boring machine for the exploratory and rescue tunnel, we are taking the next step in the major project of the second main line.The machine represents precision, teamwork, and progress – values that characterise our work on this future-oriented project. We are pleased that the machine is already under construction and will begin its work next year. Munich will thus gain a new lifeline for a sustainable transport infrastructure.”
Also Herrenknecht is constructing the mixshield TBM at Schwanau facility in Baden-Württemberg, that is designed for Munich’s challenging ground conditions of clay, silt, sand and gravel.
Crossing beneath existing structures and infrastructure,this machine has a diameter of 5m, an overall length of 178m and a total weight of about 700t, which is due to be dismantled, transported to site in Munich, reassembled and prepared for launch, following factory acceptance testing.
The 2028 is planned date that between the six TBMs to be used on the second main line, the first TBM will commence work for the traffic tunnels.
Building of two traffic tunnels each as well as the exploratory and rescue tunnel, converging at Marienhof in the city centre, is up to these TBMs operating from the west and east.
Benefiting conventional excavation, crews finished the structural phase of a rescue shaft at Arnulfpark and a link tunnel at Marienhof in the current year.
Being located between Laim and Leuchtenbergring,the second main line is being constructed at depths reaching 48 meters.
The scope of work also includes the construction or refurbishment of five stations, upgrades to outer S‑Bahn branches, the introduction of new regional S‑Bahn lines and improved links to Munich Airport.
The scheduled date for completion is between 2035 and 2037.
