Implenia given contract for the “Sisikon Tunnel”, focal point of the new Axenstrasse road in central Switzerland

Glattpark (Opfikon), 28 June 2024 - The cantons of Schwyz and Uri have awarded the contract for lot 200 of the "Neue Axenstrasse" project - the "Sisikon Tunnel" - to a joint venture (JV) between Implenia and Frutiger (Implenia 60%, Frutiger 40%). Its size and complexity make this lot the focal point of the new road running along the eastern shore of Lake Uri/Lake Lucerne. Worth more than CHF 430 million as a whole, Implenia's share of the contract comes to over CHF 250 million.

The contract centres on the single-tube, 4.4 km two-way road tunnel, which the JV will blast through the rock. The JV is also building various other underground structures such as access tunnels, passing places, ventilation hubs and exhaust ducts. With up to seven simultaneous tunnelling points and very tight space conditions, the job presents some unique challenges.

Contract confirms Implenia's expertise in large, complex transport infrastructure
In addition to the tunnelling, various external works are being carried out by other Implenia civil engineering units, including the construction of a large gallery to protect against natural hazards. Around 2 million tons of excavated material will be produced by the various construction projects, most of which will be taken away by boat to a large renaturation project on the Reuss Delta in Flüelen.

"We and our JV partner Frutiger are very pleased to be building this vital transport link in central Switzerland. The creation of the Sisikon tunnel involves challenging work in a very special location, making it a perfect fit for Implenia's strategy as a specialist in large and complex transport infrastructure. We will be able to contribute our extensive expertise and experience in tunnel construction and civil engineering," says Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia.

The order is subject to a consultation period lasting until the end of July 2024. Construction of the lot is scheduled to start in mid-2025, and the work should be completed by 2034.