Dust suddenly began to fall from the tunnel ceiling as thirteen workers were working on the northern portal of the Tauern railway tunnel in the Böckstein district of Bad Gastein on Sunday. The construction workers quickly got to safety before the first bricks fell from the ceiling. Then it happened quickly and the safe gave way. The tunnel, which is currently being renovated, was filled with rubble and earth over its entire height.
The workers who were in the tunnel at the time of the incident were very lucky and were unharmed. They left the tunnel on the Carinthian side. The exact cause of the incident is not yet clear. The 8.4 kilometer long tunnel has been renovated since mid-November and work has also recently been carried out in the north portal area. “According to accurate measurements, approximately seven meters of the tunnel vault has been affected,” says ÖBB spokesman Robert Mosser. There should be no more danger for the time being. “The immediately adjacent areas are stable and do not show any impairment,” reassures Mosser. State geologist Gerald Valentin was informed, but the renovation is in principle the responsibility of ÖBB, the tunnel owner.
ÖBB hopes that the damage will be repaired quickly
“The Tauern Tunnel runs through granite and gneiss and is generally very stable,” Valentin explains in an interview with “Krone”. “But there is an important point in the first 100 to 150 meters after the north portal that leads through loose material,” says Valentin. “This area has been causing problems for decades.” It’s the exact area where the vault has now collapsed. Almost two years ago, in April 2023, the tunnel had to be closed for a month at short notice. Reason at the time: Extensive support measures had to be implemented in the north portal area.
Despite the massive collapse of rubble and earth in the tunnel, the ÖBB hopes that the damage can be repaired quickly and with a short delay. “According to initial estimates, the breach that occurred could be resolved within just a week and the planned renovation work could continue,” Mosser adds. Ideally, there should be little or no delay in the schedule. “Every effort is being made to maintain the planned reopening date in July,” ÖBB said.
“Half the mountain has come down”
This would be especially important for the many commuters in the Gastein Valley and also on the Carinthian side, as many depend on this connection due to their jobs. The next day the shock of the collapse was still audible. “The most important thing is that no one was injured. “Half of the mountain has fallen,” said Günther Novak, mayor of Mallnitz on the Carinthian side.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.