Tunnel patroness Mrs. Birgit Ibach-Höfer with the Branich tunnel mining team

Breakthrough in Branich tunnel in Schriesheim

After around 18 months, the Branich tunnel mining team has succeeded in driving the crown of the tunnel through to its eastern portal. On 1st August 2013, tunnel patroness Mrs. Bir­git Ibach-Hö­fer was able to give the command to break through the last few centimeters of rock and let daylight into the tunnel.

After around 18 months, the Branich tunnel mining team has succeeded in driving the crown of the tunnel through to its eastern portal. On 1st August 2013, tunnel patroness Mrs. Bir­git Ibach-Hö­fer was able to give the command to break through the last few centimeters of rock and let daylight into the tunnel.

This breakthrough of the tunnel crown is an important milestone in the construction of the 1.796 m long Branich tunnel. Now, the bench of the tunnel will be driven through the mountain working in the opposite direction from east to west. After this, the formwork traveler will work its way through the mountain as the structure of the Branich tunnel is built. This is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

The tunnel and operations buildings will then be fitted out with equipment. Assuming that the construction procedure continues to progress smoothly, the Schriesheim bypass could be opened to traffic in early 2016.

KREBS+KIEFER services:

  • Project planning and structural design,
    Phase 3 (design planning)
  • Project planning and structural design,
    Phases 6 and 7 (preparations for and assistance during tender procedure)
  • Tender procedure
  • Checking the execution documents with respect to structural stability and design
  • Consulting on tunnel construction issues