# Łódź high-speed rail tunnel construction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/d-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction
> Updated: 2026-09-12T03:49:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 5.

Construction of the High-Speed Rail (KDP) tunnel in Łódź, Poland, has reached a significant logistical milestone with the arrival of all major Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) components. Following the earlier arrival of six components, the final and largest piece—a 145-ton cutting shield measuring 8.4 meters in diameter—has been transported from the Herrenknecht factory in Schwanau, Germany, to the Retkinia starting chamber.

With the full set of components on-site, specialists from the construction company PORR are set to begin the assembly and testing of the machine. The TBM is a central element of the 4.6 km tunnel project, which is part of the broader ‘Y’ infrastructure initiative designed to connect Warsaw and the new airport with Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań. The machine is intended to ensure high precision and minimize surface impact during the excavation process.

Drilling is scheduled to commence in the spring of 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: TBM component arrives in Łódź for High Speed Rail tunnel construction

The final 145-ton component of a Tunnel Boring Machine is en route to Łódź, Poland, for the High Speed Rail project. Assembly will begin soon to prepare for tunnel drilling in spring 2027.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tbm-component-arrives-in-d-for-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction

### 2026-09-03: Global infrastructure: China's highway ring and Poland's military and rail projects

China announces a 27,000km highway project worth 47 billion euros, while Poland advances military bridge production and high-speed rail tunnel construction in Łódź.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/d-high-speed-rail-project-advances-with-tbm-assembly

### 2026-08-21: Łódź High-Speed Rail project installs 35-ton sealing ring

A 35-ton sealing ring has been installed in the Retkinia starting chamber to prepare for High-Speed Rail tunnel drilling under Łódź, Poland.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/d-high-speed-rail-project-installs-35-ton-sealing-ring

### 2026-08-17: Łódź high-speed rail project reaches tunnel boring machine milestone

A specialized concrete cradle has been completed in Łódź, Poland, to support a tunnel boring machine for a new high-speed rail tunnel. Excavation is expected to begin in early 2027.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/d-high-speed-rail-project-reaches-tunnel-boring-machine-milestone

### 2026-08-14: Łódź advances High-Speed Rail tunnel construction

Preparations for Poland's High-Speed Rail tunnel in Łódź are advancing with the completion of a specialized concrete cradle for the Tunnel Boring Machine, with drilling set to begin in early 2027.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/d-advances-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction

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Cite as: Łódź high-speed rail tunnel construction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/d-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction