MossIA, the EPC contractor in Norway, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing the excavation phase of the Moss tunnel in the northern section of the new double-track Sandbukta - Moss - Sastad railway line. This accomplishment is a result of a successful Joint Venture between Implenia Norge AS (55%) and Acciona Construccion SA (45%).
The Moss Tunnel, spanning 6 kilometers, is a remarkable feat of engineering, involving the excavation of extensive rock tunnels. During this phase, a total of 1,560 controlled blasts were executed to remove an impressive 2.5 million tons of rock. This massive effort extended not only to the primary tunnels but also encompassed the access and emergency tunnels.
With the excavation phase completed, the focus now shifts to the subsequent stages of construction. The upcoming work will involve tasks such as applying leveling and smoothing layers using shotcrete, installing waterproofing and anti-freeze membranes, concreting the final lining, and constructing trenches, drainage systems, and foundations. Additionally, the project will include the creation of essential substructures to accommodate technical railway installations, including ballast, sleepers, and rails.
The journey towards completing the Moss Tunnel commenced with the establishment of adit tunnels, followed by the initiation of work on the main tunnel in April 2020 and September 2020 for the Carlberg main tunnel. Traditional drilling and blasting methods were employed to carry out the excavation process.
MossIA, the joint-venture company responsible for this significant undertaking, was awarded the contract to design and construct a vital portion of the 10-kilometer Sandbukta - Moss - Sastad (SMS2A) project. This project plays a crucial role in Bane NOR's InterCity program, which seeks to enhance connectivity between major cities in Norway and alleviate traffic congestion around Oslo. Notably, the project is progressing on schedule, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
For more information on this project, you can visit the following websites: https://www.mossia.net, https://www.acciona.com/, and https://implenia.com/ and visit the no/251 in the tunnelbuilder archive. 44/23.
