Single tube, 807 m-long, 11 m-wide, Collombey tunnel under drill/blast excavation on 65 sq m full face using 4.5 m-deep rounds by Züblin-Schlittler-Murer-Etra SA. Tunnel climbs at a 7-12% grade with a side slope of 5-7% describing a curve. 30 m to breakthrough. Full-length pilot tunnel driven by Wirth 3.5 m-diameter TBM, together with 400 m-long escape tunnel running parallel with upper portion of main tunnel. Opening to traffic, including 500 m cut and cover section and bridge scheduled 2003. Tunnel by-passes Monthey to give easy access to mountain resort of Morgins and Val d'Illiez. Visit www.wirth-europe.com 48/01.
