The Epic Construction of the Alton-Ro Railway Line

TLDRDiscover the incredible construction process behind the Alton-Ro railway line, including the development of the bottleneck section and the construction of the two-line bypass route. Learn about the construction of the effenberg tunnel, the use of cut and cover technology, and the challenges of building tunnels in confined spaces.

Key insights

🚂The Alton-Ro railway line is a crucial transportation link between Bern and Zurich.

🛠️The bottleneck section between Alton and Ro requires development into four continuous tracks.

🌉A two-line bypass route is being constructed to alleviate the congestion in the bottleneck section.

🚇The effenberg tunnel, measuring 3100 meters long, is a major part of the construction project.

🏗️Cut and cover technology is being used for the construction of the tunnel portals and sections.

Q&A

Why does the Alton-Ro railway line need to be developed into four continuous tracks?

The bottleneck section between Alton and Ro currently has only two or three tracks, which causes congestion and delays. Developing it into four continuous tracks will increase the capacity and efficiency of the railway line.

What is the purpose of the two-line bypass route?

The two-line bypass route is being built to alleviate the congestion in the bottleneck section. It will provide an alternative route for trains and help improve the overall flow of traffic on the railway line.

What is the effenberg tunnel?

The effenberg tunnel is a 3100-meter-long tunnel that is a crucial part of the construction project for the Alton-Ro railway line. It will provide a direct and efficient route for trains to pass through the bottleneck section.

What is cut and cover technology?

Cut and cover technology is a construction method used for building tunnels in confined spaces. It involves excavating a trench, constructing the tunnel structure inside the trench, and covering it back up. This method is commonly used for tunnel portals and sections.

What are the challenges of building tunnels in confined spaces?

Building tunnels in confined spaces presents various challenges, including limited space for equipment and materials, coordination with existing infrastructure such as roads and railways, and ensuring the stability and safety of the surrounding structures during and after construction.

Timestamped Summary

00:12The Alton-Ro railway line is a crucial transportation link between Bern and Zurich.

00:21The bottleneck section between Alton and Ro requires development into four continuous tracks.

00:51The effenberg tunnel, measuring 3100 meters long, is a major part of the construction project.

01:20Cut and cover technology is being used for the construction of the tunnel portals and sections.

04:19The construction of the Alton-Ro railway line involves extensive cut and cover works and the use of board piles and sheet piles.

10:14The tunnel-boring machine is used to excavate the effenberg tunnel, with the segments and support pressure carefully controlled.

12:02A separation plant is used to separate the excavated materials from the bentonite, which is then reused in the construction process.

16:53The tunnel segments are carefully installed and bolted together to ensure a watertight tunnel.