Momentum on the Construction Site: The Stuttgart 21 Airport Connection Is Approaching the Finish Line

Facades and Outdoor Facilities Take Shape

Work on the new airport link for Stuttgart 21 has picked up pace again in recent months. After last year's focus on structural work, the construction site is now dominated by façades, interior work and technical equipment. Many areas now look as though they are just waiting to be put into operation.

Around the central access point, the façade is almost complete, and the glazing has already been finished. This provides a first glimpse of how the access point will integrate with the surrounding infrastructure. Construction work has now begun, including the new access ramp to the neighbouring Wyndham Hotel, as well as the installation of drainage, lighting and other service lines. 

Interior Work and Technical Systems in the Ward Area

Significant progress has also been made inside the station.  The granite slabs on the platforms have been installed, giving the platform areas their final appearance. In parallel, the technical fit-out works are underway: fire water extraction points, cabling, cladding and other safety-related installations are currently being implemented. The lifts in the central entrance are already in place, including the shaft cladding. Only the lift cabins in the east entrance are still outstanding. Work on the ventilation system is also progressing, with dampers, baffle silencers and the first fans already installed.

The east entrance itself has passed the shell construction stage and is now in the middle of the finishing work. Facade work, floor coverings and building services dominate the scene, while at the same time the former construction site facilities are being dismantled. At the central entrance, work on the external areas is also getting underway, which will later form the transition between the building and its surroundings.
 

Full Fit-out of the Tunnel Tubes and Preparation for Test Runs

A glance inside the tunnel tubes highlights the advanced state of the technical infrastructure. Track installations are complete, points have been installed, and handrails as well as emergency lighting have been fitted. The fire water supply is in place, and the conductor rail (designed as a ceiling conductor rail instead of the classic overhead line) has been fully assembled. The lock gates to the connecting structures have also been installed. Additional cabling for telecommunications and safety systems is currently being laid along the tunnel walls. A key milestone was reached in April, when the rails were ground along their entire length to remove production residues from the rolling process. This process, known as rail finishing, ensures that the trains will run particularly smooth along the track later on.

At the same time, preparations are underway for the next test runs. Now that the first test runs have taken place on the open section of track towards Ulm, the entire route will soon be operational.
 

Outlook 

Work is now focusing on completing the interior of the buildings, finishing outdoor facilities and rescue areas, and completing the technical systems. As soon as the station is connected to the final electricity and water networks, the temporary access roads to the tunnel tubes can be dismantled and the last temporary supply lines will be removed.