The cantons of Schwyz and Uri have awarded the contract for lot 200 of the Neue Axenstrasse project – the Sisikon Tunnel – to a joint venture (JV) between Implenia and Frutiger.
Given the size and complexity of the project, this lot is one of the focal points of the new road running along the eastern shore of Lake Uri/Lake Lucerne.
The contract is worth more than CHF 430 million.
A central part of the contract is the creation of a single-tube, 4.4 km two-way road tunnel, which the JV will excavate via drill and blast methods.
The JV will also build other underground structures including access tunnels, passing places, ventilation hubs and exhaust ducts. The challenging job will include up to seven simultaneous tunnelling points in very tight space conditions.
In addition to the tunnelling elements, various external works are also being carried out by other Implenia civil engineering units, including the construction of a large gallery to protect against natural hazards.
Around 2 million tons of excavated material will be produced by the various construction projects, most of which will be taken away by boat to a large renaturation project on the Reuss Delta in Flüelen.
“We and our JV partner Frutiger are very pleased to be building this vital transport link in central Switzerland. The creation of the Sisikon tunnel involves challenging work in a very special location, making it a perfect fit for Implenia’s strategy as a specialist in large and complex transport infrastructure. We will be able to contribute our extensive expertise and experience in tunnel construction and civil engineering,” says Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia.
The order is subject to a consultation period lasting until the end of July 2024. Construction of the lot is scheduled to start in mid-2025, and the work should be completed by 2034.
