More progress news from BBT;

Flavia is only 300 metres from her goal, Ida has passed the “Werner” fault zone and our TBM named Wilma is forging ahead, having already passed the first kilometre-mark. A recent topic of discussion on the Pfons-Brenner H53 construction site was the sustainable transport of the tubbing rings, prefab concrete elements that Wilma is installing as she goes for the final lining of the tunnel.

At 10:40 AM on Sunday, March 2nd, while Carnival parties were in full swing outside, there was a celebratory  atmosphere in the heart of the mountain as well for the excellent progress Wilma is making. The TBM began excavating northwards on Sept. 18th, with her twin sister Olga, a start celebrated by the Austrian, Italian and European institutions and she has passed the "Schmirntal" fault zone, thus reaching her first kilometre mark.

But Wilma isn’t just driving the tunnel; she is also installing the tubbing rings which are the final lining of the tunnel. On the H53 Pfons-Brenner construction site there is no room to produce the tubbing rings directly on-site, as was done in Ahrental. The choice was made to supply the site via rail, thus avoiding the passage of over 45,000 heavy vehicle through the Wipp valley. This was one of the main topics of discussion last Thursday during an event for the media, on the construction site itself.

“Wilma” is the feminine form of Wilhelm, derived from willio (will) and helm (protective helmet). Helga Morandell, who chose the name for the TBM, said “We can see the will and determination with which this important project is being driven forward”. And judging by her progress, it seems that Wilma well deserves her name. Glück Auf!