Ligerz-Twann double track extension a complex rail infrastructure project
ARGE IBD, consisting of the partners Implenia (lead), Bernasconi and De Luca, was awarded the contract for Lot 2 "Ligerz Tunnel" by SBB. The total contract volume amounts to CHF 220 million, with Implenia's share at around CHF 150 million.
The contract includes the 2.1 km long double-track tunnel – about 1,850 m of which will be excavated and about 250 m of which will be built using cut-and-cover methods – including concrete lining and railway technology. In addition, four escape tunnels, a 114 m long viaduct for the N5 motorway exit and various additional structures are being built. The excavated material will be transported by ship and the existing railway line will be dismantled and redesigned.
The aim of the project is to eliminate the last railway bottleneck on the Jura river line between Lausanne and Biel. Due to the prevailing narrow space conditions between the lake and the slope, where the N5 national road and the cantonal road also run, a new double-track tunnel will be built.
A particular challenge is the project’s location in protected areas: The region is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN). The villages of La Neuveville, Chavannes, Ligerz and Twann are part of the Federal Inventory of Swiss Sites of National Importance (ISOS).
Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia: “We are looking forward to executing this large and complex railway infrastructure project together with our ARGE partners and to once again demonstrating our many years of experience and expertise in this field. We wish the entire project team an accident-free construction period.”