Milestone on the S19 construction site: tunnel lining production completed

On the construction of the S19 expressway, Rzeszów Południe–Babica section, we have reached an important stage. We have completed the production of all prefabricated segments that will be used to build the more than 2-kilometer tunnel under Grochowiczna Hill.

- This is a major success and an important step toward completing the tunnel. It was made possible thanks to the great commitment of the entire team and the efficient cooperation of all project participants - emphasizes Artur Salachna, Contract Director of S19 Rzeszów Południe–Babica.

Since March 2023, around 22,700 segments have been produced in our manufacturing hall in Lutoryż. Each tunnel ring consists of 10 elements. Light rings (L) weigh 132 tons, with a single segment weighing 14 tons (key segment – 7 tons). Heavy rings (C) weigh 152 tons, with a single segment weighing 16 tons (key segment – 8 tons). For their production, we used high-quality C50/60L and C60/75C concrete, applying modern steam curing chambers, which shortened production time while ensuring strength and quality.

The daily production process consumed an average of 300 m³ of concrete, supplied by a dedicated batching plant directly connected to the carousel – a professional production line. Several dozen people were involved in this task, from line operators to teams preparing reinforcement cages.

How is the tunnel being built?

The segments we produced will not remain in storage – they are being installed directly by the TBM (tunnel boring machine), which simultaneously excavates the tunnel and installs its lining. The final structure will consist of two tubes with two lanes in each direction, an emergency lane, 15 cross passages, and an emergency passageway. Currently, the final stage of excavation of the first tube is underway.

The tunnel is part of a larger 10-kilometer section of the S19. Within this project, we are building:

• 6 viaducts and 2 overpasses,
• a railway overpass,
• 3 wildlife crossings,
• a Tunnel Management Center – the first of its kind in the region,
• 2 Service Areas with helipads for the Air Ambulance Service.

Via Carpatia – a route of international importance

The S19 expressway, of which this tunnel is a part, is a section of the Via Carpatia transport corridor. This strategic route will connect Lithuania with Greece, running through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. In Poland, it will span around 700 km, crossing five voivodeships.

Thanks to our work, the section in the Podkarpacie region will become a key communication artery, linking north with south and opening new opportunities for economic growth in Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe.

This investment, worth over PLN 2 billion, is being carried out in consortium with our strategic partner Acciona Construcción.

photo. MW