Work on the construction of the Łódź Tunnel, which began as part of the Port Polska programme, is progressing, with the support structure for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) now complete, which will enable the equipment to be installed precisely in the launch shaft. At the same time, work has begun on assembling the first components of the tunnel boring machine, which have already been delivered to the site.
Drilling of one of Poland’s most important underground rail infrastructure projects is scheduled to begin in 2027.
- In the launch shaft at Retkinia, the support structure for the TBM shield has been completed and the assembly of the first components of the tunnelling machine has begun.
- Drilling of the KDP tunnel in Łódź is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
- The support structure will enable the precise positioning and insertion of the TBM into the launch shaft. Its construction took almost three weeks, with work carried out round the clock.
- Meanwhile, work continues on the chambers along the K5 and K6 routes, which will serve as ventilation and evacuation chambers.
The TBM support structure is ready. A crucial step in installing the machine
In Łódź, intensive work is under way to adapt the launch chamber for the installation of the automated Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The first components of the equipment have already been lowered into the lower part of the structure and are being progressively assembled into a single structure.
A key element of the preparations was the completion of the semi-circular concrete foundation, specially designed to support the TBM shield housing. This structure ensures the machine is correctly positioned and allows it to be precisely guided into the launch opening prepared in the chamber wall.
The precision with which the structure is built is of particular importance for the start of tunnelling. Even minor geometric deviations could affect the machine’s trajectory during the initial phase of tunnel construction. For this reason, the work required a high level of precision and continuous technical monitoring.
The construction of the TBM structure was a complex operation from both an organisational and a technological perspective. The works lasted almost three weeks and were carried out continuously, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The work was carried out by four teams specialising in tunnelling, comprising experts from several European countries, including Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia and Italy.
Once assembly is complete and the necessary technical tests have been carried out, the tunnel boring machine will be lowered into the pre-prepared launch shaft.
According to the project schedule drawn up by the tunnel’s main contractor, PORR S.A., the actual tunnelling is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Progress on the works is also evident on the other sections of the project.
Work is continuing on the construction of the chambers along the route, which, once completed, will serve as ventilation and evacuation chambers.
This work represents an important stage in preparing the necessary infrastructure for the future Łódź tunnel, one of Poland’s major underground rail infrastructure projects.
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