The 582-metre-long Horchheim Tunnel was opened in 1902. The single-track railway running through the tunnel connects the Koblenz Pfaffendorf branch and the Koblenz Horchheimer Brücke branch of the network. Due to environmental influences such as mountain water, the tunnel has reached the end of its physical life after 115 years of service. Consequently, it is in need of complete restoration. In the course of this restoration, a concrete base will be installed in the Horchheim Tunnel to protect against pressing mountain water. In addition to removal of the old brickwork, this will require the removal of mountain rock in some areas. On account of the work to raise the tunnel roof, the project will also dismantle and rebuild the two tunnel portals as well as the retaining wall to the south.
Focus on the environment and conservation
The client strongly emphasised the importance of environmental protection and nature conservation in this project. As a result, compensatory measures will be put in place wherever impacts on the surrounding environment cannot be avoided. Precautionary measures to protect lizards have already been implemented at an early stage. Work was also undertaken to protect bats before construction began.
