The mega-site under the Alps: the longest railway tunnel in the world will connect Austria with Italy
A huge infrastructure project is taking shape under the Alps. The Brenner Tunnel will become the longest underground railway line in the world, linking Austria to Italy and promising to radically change European freight transport.
Brenner Tunnel PHOTO Facebook / Galleria di Base del Brennero – Brenner Basistunnel BBT SE
One of the largest construction sites in Europe is taking place in the Austrian town of Steinach am Brenner, in Tyrol. The Brenner Base Tunnel is being built here, a 64-kilometer rail tunnel included in the European Union's TEN-T network, which is financing a significant part of the work, according to Euronews.
The project is essential for the transport of goods between the north and the south of the continent, being part of a corridor connecting Scandinavia to Sicily. Currently, heavy road traffic on the Brenner motorway causes congestion and pollution, and the old railway line, built in the 19th century, can no longer cope with the current volume.
The new tunnel, built at the base of the mountain, will allow the circulation of longer and faster trains, significantly reducing road transport. The total costs are approaching 11 billion euros, of which the EU has allocated 2.3 billion so far. The rest is split between Austria and Italy, but the project is already around 40% more expensive than initial estimates.
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Brenner Tunnel PHOTO Facebook / Galleria di Base del Brennero – Brenner Basistunnel BBT SE
Originally planned for 2019, the tunnel would be completed in 2032. If the deadline is met, up to one million trucks per year could be transferred to rail, significantly reducing road traffic in the Alps.
The work is delayed, however, due to unforeseen geological problems and technical difficulties. In addition, the connection to Germany, essential for the project's effectiveness, has been blocked by years of political and administrative disputes in Bavaria.
The tunnel will consist of two main tunnels, complemented by an exploratory tunnel and numerous connecting tunnels for safety. In total, about 322,000 concrete rings will be installed to strengthen the structure.
Brenner Tunnel PHOTO Facebook / Galleria di Base del Brennero – Brenner Basistunnel BBT SE
The construction involves more than 1,300 workers from 11 European countries and some of the most important companies in the field. The project uses the Austrian tunneling method, which involves permanent adaptation to the conditions inside the mountain.
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Brenner Tunnel PHOTO Facebook / Galleria di Base del Brennero – Brenner Basistunnel BBT SE
Underground, giant machines dig continuously. One of them, TBM “Günther”set a world record, advancing over 61 meters in 24 hours. Two other cars, “Olga” and “Wilma”work continues.
For Austria, one of the countries most affected by transit traffic, the project represents a major stake: moving freight from roads to rail.
