Moutier Tunnel
The 1.2 km long twin tube Moutier Tunnel forms part of the A16 motorway, called Transjurane. This motorway connects the city of Biel to the French motorway network, crossing the mountainous Jura area. The tunnel crosses a geologically complex region with high tectonic stresses.
The tunnelling was mostly done using conventional mechanical machinery, i.e. rock splitters and hydraulic hammers. Safe support to the tunnel lining is provided by steel beams and sprayed concrete. In particularly difficult zones, tube shields were used and the cross-section had in some areas to be divided into 7 sub-sections for excavation.