In order to improve the traffic situation in north-western Germany and the connection to the international motorway network for the freight transport centre, port and airport, the A281 near Bremen is currently being expanded. Here, the remaining gap in the highly frequented ring motorway, the western corner connection between the A1 and A27, is being closed with an immersed tunnel in the Weser.

Excavation work on the second tube of the Gotthard Road Tunnel has been underway since 14 February 2025. While the advance in the north is proceeding on schedule, the TBM Paulina on the south side had to be stopped on 23 June 2025 after about 190 m. Severely fractured, partially loose rock and cavities prevented safe TBM advance and could have damaged the machine. The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) therefore decided to excavate the remaining section of the complex Tremola geology, approximately 500 m in length, using conventional blasting (partial excavation, crown only). To this end, a connecting tunnel with a length of 250 m was created from the south access tunnel to the level of the second tube using drilling and blasting. This was completed at the end of October. Since then, counter-advance has been underway to the south in the direction of the TBM.

The implementation of large-scale projects requires robust planning that takes into account various target variables such as sustainability, construction time and cost. Process simulation is a suitable method for designing the construction process as efficiently and robustly as possible in the early stages of planning and for holistically assessing the impact of changes in the planning process on execution. Using the Fürth Freight Train Tunnel project as an example, this article shows how simulation-based planning methods can help to transparently present and analyse interfaces in logistics planning, realistically model construction processes and thus support informed decisions.

Tunnel construction is driven by major projects with tight time frames. Hence, it is crucial for processes to run reliably with no unplanned downtime. This is where RUD‘s drive technology comes into play. The high-performance round steel chain as the basis of the system runs reliably even in a challenging environment.

Major projects such as the construction of subway stations impose high demands. Particularly in densely populated metropolitan areas, construction equipment must not only operate efficiently but also minimize local impacts such as noise, dust, and emissions. Additionally, limited space conditions require customized solutions. And this is precisely where Bauer’s new BCS 185 power pack comes in – a modular drive system that can be powered by either a diesel or electric generator.

It is an ambitious plan set to revolutionize the Paris transportation network: The realization of the Grand Paris Express includes the extension of an existing metro line (Line 14) and the construction of four new metro lines in the inner and outer ring zones (Lines 15, 16, 17, and 18). Completion is planned for 2030, but even in the early construction phases, it became clear: this is no ordinary infrastructure project. Line 17, in particular – intended to connect northern Paris with Le Mesnil-Amelot – posed major challenges for the engineering and construction team.