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Pöyry picks up tunnel project on Switzerland’s A2 motorway

The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has awarded Poyry detailed engineering planning work for the upgrading of operational and safety equipment in two major tunnels on the A2 motorway. The A2 forms the main north-south motorway in Switzerland, connecting Basel with Chiasso. The Schänzli and Hagnau tunnels have been in operation for four decades and are being completely refurbished. Pöyry has already been handling the structural measures and ventilation systems in the tunnels, said Marcel Winter,
August 18, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has awarded Poyry detailed engineering planning work for the upgrading of operational and safety equipment in two major tunnels on the A2 motorway.

The A2 forms the main north-south motorway in Switzerland, connecting Basel with Chiasso.

The Schänzli and Hagnau tunnels have been in operation for four decades and are being completely refurbished.

5775 Pöyry has already been handling the structural measures and ventilation systems in the tunnels, said Marcel Winter, managing director of Pöyry regional operations in Switzerland.

"We are delighted with the order, which comes as a perfect complement to existing commissions for the same facilities." Value of the work was not disclosed.

Work on both tunnels, which are used by around 59,000 vehicles a day, will be carried out while the tunnels remain open.

"This means that highly detailed replacement and migration planning is vital" said Christian Eugster, Pöyry project manager. "In order to ensure safe uninterrupted use for road users, the old equipment must be kept running while the new equipment is constructed, tested and finally activated."

The order includes the technical refurbishment of the energy supply system, lighting, cabling and monitoring systems, signalling, communication and control technology, and tunnel ventilation management system for each of the tunnels. In addition, the project will install new equipment in the control centre above the Hagnau tunnel.

Pöyry will be responsible for the tendering process, implementing planning, construction management and commissioning the equipment.

Pöyry is an international consulting, energy and engineering company employing about 6,000 people. Net sales in 2015 were €575 million including transportation work in more than 50 countries. Projects have included aspects of the recently opened Gotthard Tunnel – a 57km twin-bore rail tunnel under the Swiss Alps.

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