Milestone on the U2: Tunnelling on track 2 completed

10 Jul 2025

Half-time reached: tunnel breakthrough at Augustinplatz successful
First tunnel constructed: TBM has advanced the route by around 2 kilometres
Consortium of STRABAG and PORR

The U2xU5 public transport extension, with the construction of the U5 line and the extension of the U2 line to the south, is Vienna's largest climate protection project and a construction project of superlatives. A consortium consisting of STRABAG and PORR was awarded the contract for the first construction phase of Wiener Linien's megaproject at the end of 2020. The contract: construction of the line tubes and new construction of four stations including emergency exits, for the U2 line. After construction began in 2021, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Debohra’ started driving on track 2, the first of the two new line tunnels for the U2 line, in autumn 2024.

The tunnel breakthrough at the Augustinplatz emergency exit was recently completed, marking the halfway point of the project and a significant milestone for the ARGE U2/17-21 consortium

A breakthrough always marks a decisive milestone for us in tunnelling - especially in a major urban project of this complexity. It symbolises what we can achieve by joining forces: creating sustainable infrastructure that will improve mobility in Vienna in the long term. We are very proud to have achieved this success - it is a team effort at the highest level.

Gerhard Urschitz, Head of the STRABAG Tunnel Construction Division.

Milestones like this are only possible if everyone involved works together with passion, precision and close collaboration. The breakthrough at the Augustinplatz emergency exit shows how effective our partnership in the consortium is - and what we can achieve together for the future of urban mobility. The expansion of public transport U2xU5 in Vienna is a project that comes with great responsibility, which we are taking on with full conviction.

PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss

The cutting wheel, the showpiece of the TVM, at Matzleinsdorfer Platz. It weighs approx. 78 tons, has a diameter of 6.88 meters and is equipped with around 40 rolling chisels and 100 peeling knives.

Werksabnahme der U2 Tunnelvortriebsmaschine im Jänner 2024.

Breakthrough of the TVM at Augustinplatz.