Wolmirstedt near Magdeburg
SuedOstLink
Magdeburg, Germany / 05.2025 - 12.2027
The SuedOstLink is one of the major grid expansion projects in the German transmission network. The direct current link runs through several federal states and is being constructed in sections as either overhead lines or underground cables. On behalf of 50Hertz, PORR transport route engineering Berlin is carrying out civil engineering works on section A1 of the project. Whilst the first 18 km or so of the section are being constructed as overhead lines, PORR has been commissioned under mixed lot A1.1 to construct the underground cable route for the southern section, which is 29.6 km long.
Facts & Figures
Company
PORR Verkehrswegebau GmbH
Type
Pipeline construction
Runtime
05.2025 - 12.2027
Civil engineering works for the SuedOstLink
Construction of an underground cable route
The scope of works includes the laying of cable protection pipes using open-cut trenching, the construction of crossing structures, access roads and work areas, as well as extensive earthworks and topsoil works. Separate cable trenches are being constructed for the two 525-kilovolt direct current connections. The underground crossings beneath roads and watercourses are being carried out using the closed-tunnel method by specialist subcontractors.
Phased construction along the route
The project is being implemented in accordance with Lean construction principles using a phased approach. Along the route, several teams of tradespeople are working in co-ordinated construction phases. A particular challenge lies in coordinating the numerous stakeholders and interfaces. These include landowners, suppliers as well as specialist contractors for cable pulling, horizontal drilling and pipe jacking. Furthermore, during installation, the requirements regarding the thermal and soil-mechanical properties of the materials within the cable zone must be taken into account. This is due to the heat generated by the power cables once they are in operation.
Patented ploughing technology for pipe laying
A method utilising a patented plough design from CMG, a subsidiary company of PORR, is being used for the laying of cable protection pipes and fibre-optic pipes. The pipes are inserted into the utility corridor with the aid of GPS-controlled attachments on a loader crawler.
Infrastructure along a long-span route
The works on the A1 section combine traditional civil engineering with the requirements of a cable-laying project spanning many kilometres of route. In addition to earthworks and pipework, the project is characterised in particular by the large number of interfaces, the various construction methods as well as the coordination required along the route. Step by step, this creates the structural conditions necessary for the subsequent operation of the underground cable connection.
