The Swiss cantons of Schwyz and Uri have awarded the US$478M contract for Lot 200 on the “Neue Axenstrasse” project – the “Sisikon Tunnel” – to a JV of Implenia (60%) and Frutiger (40%).
The contract centres on the single-tube, 4.4km two-way road tunnel, which the JV will construct via drill & blast through rock. The JV is also building various other underground structures such as access tunnels, passing places, ventilation hubs and exhaust ducts. With up to seven simultaneous tunnelling advance faces and very tight space conditions, the job presents some unique challenges.
In addition to the tunnelling, various external works are being carried out by other Implenia civil engineering units, including the construction of a large gallery to protect against natural hazards. Around 2M tons of excavated material will be produced by the various construction projects, most of which will be removed by boat to a large renaturation project on the Reuss Delta in Flüelen.
“We and our JV partner Frutiger are very pleased to be building this vital transport link in central Switzerland. The creation of the Sisikon tunnel involves challenging work in a very special location, making it a perfect fit for Implenia’s strategy as a specialist in large and complex transport infrastructure. We will be able to contribute our extensive expertise and experience in tunnel construction and civil engineering,” says Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia.
The order is subject to a consultation period lasting until the end of July 2024. Construction of the lot is scheduled to start in mid-2025, and the work should be completed by 2034.
Comments: