NFM Technologies TBM sets record at Los PontonesOn 24.09.2009, the 9.9 m-diameter NFM Technologies TBM completed excavation of the east tube of Los Pontones rail tunnel (5,939 m) on the 6.1 km-long section from Pajares tunnel to Sotiello, in Lena commune, Asturias province, part of Variante de Pajares. Along the way, the 2,000 t TBM with 7,900 kW of installed power excavated 1,105.5 m in one month, exceeding the previous record of 1,012 m for a +9 m-diameter TBM set on Madrid metro extensions. The complex construction of 49.7 km of Variante de Pajares, value EUR2,391 million, forced its division into three sections: La Robla-Pajares tunnel; tunnel Pajares; and tunnel Pajares-Pola de Lena. Currently, some 90% of the work is complete, with entry into operation planned for 2012. Click es/55, here and visit www.adif.es and www.nfm-technologies.com. 41/09.