The first four sections (Nos. 12–15) have already been completed, meaning that cable pulling can begin in October, a full five months ahead of schedule. Another section has already been handed over to the contractor, and two additional sections are to follow by March. At the same time, topsoil work is being carried out in other areas. By the end of the year, 12 of 20 horizontal directional drillings (HDD) as well as both pipe jacking operations had also been completed.

Challenges along the route

‘Cable pulling, civil engineering and topsoil work are currently being carried out in parallel. The biggest challenge is to coordinate all processes optimally,’ explains branch manager Dirk Lohne.

In addition to the complex coordination, wet weather and frosty nights with heavy snowfall made logistics and Earthworks difficult. Added to this are strict nature conservation regulations, which require precise scheduling. The time until spring will therefore be used intensively to complete particularly sensitive areas.

Focus on technology and teamwork

The work is being carried out using the Lean construction method in a cyclical manner to ensure maximum efficiency. External specialist companies are being used to construct the underpasses beneath roads and waterways. PORR is also relying on its own soil management concept, which covers soil removal, treatment and replacement. Support is being provided by pde for scheduling, assembly planning as well as document management, and by PORR structural engineering for HSE issues.

The coming months will be dominated by further cable pulling and the completion of the civil engineering work.