Łódź high-speed rail project reaches tunnel boring machine milestone

Construction of a specialized concrete foundation, known as a cradle, has been completed at the Retkinia launch chamber in Łódź, Poland. This structure is designed to support and precisely align the shield of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for a major high-speed rail project.

Assembly of the first TBM components is currently underway at the bottom of the launch chamber. The project involves constructing a tunnel approximately 6km long, which will connect the Retkinia and Fabryczna chambers. The tunnel will feature varying widths and is designed to accommodate up to 12 tracks alongside platforms in the station.

The construction of the cradle was a continuous, 24/7 operation lasting nearly three weeks, involving specialist tunnelling teams from Poland, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Romania, Croatia, and Italy. Following the completion of TBM assembly and technical testing, excavation is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027, according to the general contractor, PORR S. A.