Problematic tunnel under Łódź. “A mining variant is being considered”

Various options are being considered for completing the construction of the cross-city tunnel under Łódź, including drilling using the mining method, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Piotr Malepszak told PAP.

– The most important problem when it comes to the tunnel under Łódź is the issue of technically coping with the last kilometer to pass under the city. There is a significant risk that further drilling may result in the collapse of tenement houses. We don't want that risk. Today we are considering various possibilities to drill this tunnel, even with the option of drilling it using the mining method – the deputy minister told PAP. Previously, the tunnel was drilled using a rotating disc.

He emphasized that the goal is to complete this investment because it is very much needed on a city, regional and national scale. – Today we assume that the completion of this tunnel, i.e. the complete completion of the trains, will take place in 2029. – he added.

The drilling of the cross-city tunnel was suspended over a year ago after the collapse of a tenement house at Al. 1 Maja in Łódź.

Since then, the tunnel boring machine has been stuck under the buildings at 1 Maja Street. An attempt to resume work in November last year resulted in the collapse of the neighboring building, which resulted in work being suspended again. The tunnel ceiling is several meters below the foundations.

However, the advancement of construction works (the system of double- and single-track tunnels is to be approximately 4,600 m long) does not change the situation of the entire investment. The “Katarzyna” drilling machine is stuck about a kilometer from the end chamber, and the current construction completion date of June next year with the planned launch of train traffic in December 2026 is unrealistic. (PAP)

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