tunnelbuilder.com - marketing resources for the world's tunnelling industry

Aker Wirth inclined TBM for Switzerland
The Limmern access tunnel at Tierfehd in the Swiss canton of Glarus has a diameter of 8.03 m and will rise at a constant gradient of 24% from 800 m ASL to 1,700 m ASL. The job will be undertaken by a consortium of six contractors using a specially-designed Aker Wirth TBM that is the largest of its kind yet produced. Read the full press release. 30/10.

Recovery Act funds Doyle Drive replacement
Excavation started this week on the first of four tunnels forming part of the Doyle Drive Replacement Project on the southwest connection to the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco. Arup is leading a JV with PB Americas Inc to provide engineering services. Visit www.arup.com/Projects/Doyle_Drive_Replacement_Project.aspx. The Recovery Act is providing USD129 million (EUR99 million) towards the cost of the project, which will be completed in 2013. Read the USDOT press release. 30/10.

International tunnel forum at InnoTrans 2010
The international tunnel forum takes place 22-23 September, 2010 at InnoTrans, the transport technology meeting in Messe Muenchen, parallel with product presentations in Hall 5.2. Around 30 tunnelling exhibitors are expected, amongst which are tunnelbuilder foundation sponsor Herrenknecht and long-term advertisers Fermacell, MSD, Schoema, and Zitron. 30/10.

New Robbins support system working at Qinling
The 16.6 km-long West Qinling rail tunnels will pass nearly 1.5 km beneath the mountain peaks, necessitating a complete rethink of the TBM support system. Two Robbins Main Beam TBMs are underway with roof shield canopies equipped with mesh pockets that facilitate safe installation within the shield structure. Read the full press release. 29/10.

More than 750,000 readers/year visit tunnelbuilder websites to keep up to date with contract news and to find suppliers for their own projects. We have a diverse range of advertisers, all of whom have unique products on offer. Click on the featured logolinks below as a taster.

Toronto opts for foot tunnel to airport
Toronto Port Authority will start work in 2011 on the EUR33.5 million pedestrian tunnel beneath the Western Channel linking the Western Gap ferry docks at the foot of Bathurst Street to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre airport. Environmental assessment should be completed next month, following which a private-public partnership will be set up to build the tunnel. Bidding will take place in Q1 2011. Visit www.torontoport.com and keyword search tunnel. 29/10.

Putzmeister worldwide market presence
Putzmeister supplies the construction, mining and tunnelling industries with concrete, mortar and solids pumps and high-pressure cleaners in systems developed, produced and serviced by the company. With a worldwide presence through well-placed regional outlets supported by the home factory in Aichtal, Germany, Putzmeister is a leader in its market fields. View the new Putzmeister website. 29/10.

More Google translations for tunnelbuilder
Spanish, Italian and Chinese have been added to our range of Google translations of tunnelbuilder.com and Newsfeed, making a total of 10 languages now available to our readers. We continue to monitor the quality of these translations, and to adjust our written inputs to better suit the process. It takes time to perfect, but we are getting there! 29/10.

Swedvent introduces new quiet fans
A new generation of Swedvent ventilation fans and ducting for tunnel construction has been announced by the Swedish manufacturer. Design changes have resulted in noise reductions of at least 3 db(A) across the whole range of fans from 10 to 500 kW ratings. Read the press release. 28/10.

Happy holidays to all our readers!
All at tunnelbuilder wish you a great holiday! This year, more than ever, you have earned it! The industry has survived the recession in great shape, a tribute to experience, dedication and improved methodology. As a result, elements of risk have been minimized, and decisions on new tunnels can be more easily made, reflected in a continually increasing number of bids. We will update daily throughout the holiday season, but you don't have to take your communicator to the beach to keep up. All current bids are stored at our Live Bids section until they close, so, if you can't log on daily, you will find the last few weeks' bids here. Enjoy! 28/10.

NZ Transport Agency seeks registrants for Auckland job
Registrations of interest are sought, at the latest by 21st July 2010, from suitably qualified and experienced consortia to deliver the design and construction of the Waterview Connection Tunnels and Great North Road Interchange project in inner Auckland. The project concept comprises twin tube 2.1 km-long tunnels, a 450 m-long cut/cover, portal works and a motorway interchange. It will be procured as a Competitive Alliance. Read the official notice. For more information contact Scott Bready on +64 07 838 0144 or e-mail sbready@bbo.co.nz. 26/10.

Book early for Hong Kong Tunnel Design & Construction conference!
Tunnel Design & Construction Northeast Asia takes place at Harbour Grand, Hong Kong 24-25 November, 2010. Register before 13 August and get up to USD750 discount!
The focus of the conference is on best practice strategies for cost efficient design, construction, enhanced service life and safety of tunnels. With China alone adding more than 2,000 line kilometres to its metro system over the next five years, the conference could not be better timed or placed. For video interviews of senior delegates to the last regional conference, click here.