An important milestone was reached on 8 September 2020: thanks to PORR's precise planning, the advance reached the power plant cavern on schedule. On the same day, the breakthrough also took place at the access tunnel with its counter-advance from the debris tunnel. Currently, the tunnelling work is being continued in the upper area (calotte) of the power plant cavern. With the planned completion of the crane runway beams in the power plant cavern at the end of 2024, a smooth transition to the next construction phases is ensured.

Concurrent works and new tunnelling

With the completion of the 5th side tunnel, the tunnelling work on the spoil tunnel was concluded and the temporary concrete floor was installed in one part. In parallel to the work on the spoil tunnel, the tunnelling in the energy discharge tunnel in the direction of the power plant cavern and in the 5th side tunnel in two directions is progressing rapidly. These developments are crucial to reach the main tunnel.

Excavation of the Murgwerk and Schwarzenbachwerk access tunnels will begin in spring 2025. Progress in the Schwarzenbachwerk access tunnel is another success: the pre-cut and the air-arch section are almost complete, so the team will now be working on the pre-cut of the Murgwerk until the end of November.

Focus on quality and safety

The focus of the construction work is on completing the structural work on schedule in order to avoid delays for subsequent trades such as hydraulic steel construction and electrical engineering. In doing so, occupational safety has the highest priority. Special measures for fire protection and for rescuing people in the extensive tunnel system have already been implemented, including the provision of a special rescue team.

The combination of efficient planning, rapid implementation and the highest safety standards makes the conversion of the Rudolf-Fettweis plant a pioneering project in the energy infrastructure of Baden-Württemberg.