Belchentunnel North

The project

The Belchen tunnel along the A2, between Basel and Egerkingen, crosses the Jura mountains. After more than 50 years, an urgent renovation of the two directionally separated double-track tubes from 1970 is required. In order to keep the associated traffic restrictions to a minimum, the Belchen renovation tunnel (STB) is being built. The main tunnel work, in particular the excavation, began in 2016. After the planned commissioning in 2022, the two existing tubes are repaired one after the other, while traffic flows south through the renovation tunnel.

The segment factory

The 35cm thick segments for the expansion of the 3,177m long, two-lane road tunnel were produced in the segment factory of Marti AG in Klus-Balsthal. The segment rings consist of six standard segments and a keystone. In order to meet the requirements of this project, the existing vacuum equipment with an impressive payload of 11,000 kg was converted in the segment factory.

Our services

As an extension to the proven DVL series, we offer the DVL-90 vacuum lifting device, which has an additional swivel function. This means that the segment elements can not only be swiveled linearly, but also by up to 90° around their longitudinal axis. The DVL-90 is used in particular in areas where partial turning or erection of the segments is required. The stripping and partial turning of the segments can be carried out in one step to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

Our handling devices are available in external suction (extrados) or internal suction (intrados) versions. We adapt the suction plate design to the recesses of your concrete segments to prevent vacuum loss. For an efficient vertical suction process, the DVL-90 is equipped with an additional vacuum reserve tank, which enables short cycle times.

Scope of delivery