Electrical engineering for tunnels: SPIE supports major Austrian international infrastructure project

Gleisdorf, Austria, 18 September 2024 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is providing state-of-the-art traffic and electrical systems for three tunnels and their adjacent open spaces as part of Austria’s “Fürstenfelder Schnellstraße S7” express motorway infrastructure project. Two of these systems on the western section between Riegersdorf and Dobersdorf have already been opened to traffic. The project is expected to be fully completed by the summer of 2025.

SPIE installs engineering systems for three tunnels

The major S7 project includes the Speltenbach, Rudersdorf and Königsdorf tunnels, with a total length of just over 4,500 metres. Experts from SPIE Dürr Austria, the executing unit of SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa, are installing complete electrical and safety systems in the three tunnels and the adjacent open spaces. This includes the necessary low-voltage distributors, emergency power supplies, tunnel and road lighting, traffic management systems, emergency call facilities, environmental data collection, and the corresponding network technology and tunnel automation.

Initial planning for these services began in summer 2022, with on-site work having commenced in November of the same year. On a section of the route, traffic is now flowing through the two tunnels at Speltenbach (approximately 1,000 metres) and Rudersdorf (approximately 2,900 metres). The SPIE team remains active on-site and is currently equipping the third tunnel in Königsdorf. The Fürstenfelder Schnellstraße is expected to be fully completed by June 2025.

SPIE is installing technology designed to ensure the tunnels consistently meet safety and availability requirements. All data from the three tunnels – up to 23,000 data points – is digitally recorded and quickly and securely transmitted to the regional traffic management centre (rVMZ) in Graz. In the event of incidents such as breakdowns, accidents or fires, the automation systems implemented by SPIE’s experts immediately intervene to ensure the safety of road users. Depending on the situation, the system can activate measures such as speed limits, warning announcements or even tunnel closures within seconds. The system also automatically informs and alerts tunnel personnel and the fire brigade.

Infrastructure project enhances quality of life

The Fürstenfelder Schnellstraße (S7) – part of the emerging European Route E66 – is a major Austrian regional and international transport infrastructure project. It provides a direct link between the Ilz junction on the Süd-Autobahn A2 and the Austrian-Hungarian border at Heiligenkreuz in Lafniztal. This route diverts through traffic away from the surrounding communities, significantly improving the quality of life for over 10,000 local residents.

SPIE Dürr Austria has maintained a trusted partnership with ASFINAG, the company responsible for planning, building and operating Austria’s motorway and expressway network, since 2001. Up to 25 experts from SPIE have been involved in the “Fürstenfelder Schnellstraße” project, handling everything from project management, planning and design to the coordination of on-site work. “Managing this project has required a great deal of flexibility. We have continued to adapt throughout the project to respond effectively to our customer’s evolving requirements. This is a remarkable achievement by our entire team,” says Daniel Hausleitner, Project Manager at SPIE. “Working towards a common goal while drawing on our extensive experience in tunnel systems is what truly defines our team’s efforts,” adds Franz Nager, who is in charge of coordinating on-site work as the lead for SPIE’s team.

“The construction of the new S7 Fürstenfelder Schnellstraße, with its direct link to the M8 motorway in Hungary, significantly bolsters both European integration and the economic vitality of the region. Moreover, the new route greatly enhances the quality of life for local residents. We’re proud to bring our expertise to the project,” says Andreas Christandl, Member of the Management Board of SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa and Head of the Austria operational division.