Breakthrough of the first tube of the Saverne tunnel

11 July 2012 - Events - France

On 19 June 2012, as part of works package 47 of the second phase of the LGV Est Européenne project, the TBM Charlotte finished driving the north tube of the Saverne tunnel (length: 4 km) in the Vosges Mountains (east of France). Advancing an average of 20 lm a day, the TBM bored this first tube in just 7 months, instead of the 10.5 months originally scheduled. Driving the second tube is due to start in October 2012. Undertaken on behalf of RFF, these works will enable the TGV to cross the Vosges at high speed in 2016, resulting in a Paris - Strasbourg journey time of an hour and 50 minutes compared with the current 2 hours and 20 minutes. In addition to driving the Saverne tunnel, works package 47, which covers the design and construction of 7.5 km of new line, includes the earthworks and the creation of the standard engineering structures and the Haspelbaechel viaduct. These works are being implemented by a consortium notably comprising Dodin Campenon Bernard (leader), VINCI Construction Terrassement, Campenon Bernard Dodin Ingénierie (VINCI Construction), GTM Alsace and GTM Lorraine (VINCI Construction France), as well as Cegelec Mobility (VINCI Energies GSS) and Cegelec Nord & Est (VINCI Energies France). Total contract value: €184m.