Stuttgart 21: Major progress on the new airport connection!
Progress at Entrances and Track
Work is progressing rapidly at the central entrance, where façade installation, building services and glazing are all advancing at full speed. The lift shafts have been installed, screed is being laid inside the station, and the future platform is being surfaced with granite flooring. At the same time, technical infrastructure is being put in place.
The eastern entrance is also visibly taking shape. Here, the shell of the shaft structures below has already been completed, and the excavation pit backfilled.
Progress is equally evident in the track bed: the concrete layer for track construction has been laid, and several metres of track have been installed. At the same time, cables are being placed and infrastructure for electricity, water, and ventilation is being prepared to ensure smooth rail operations.
Progess Update: Central Entrance
Central entrance: Station building with initial glazing and substructure for insulation and façade
Central entrance: station building with glazed area and installed insulation
Central entrance: Circular shafts at platform level, scaffolding for the construction of lift shafts
First test runs and next steps
A special highlight: test runs have already taken place on the above-ground section of the line towards Ulm. Initially, trains familiarised themselves with the route at 10 km/h but speeds are now reaching up to 275 km/h. Our construction section served as a turning point for the trains, and this impressive sight is a testament to the project's progress. What comes next:
- Completion and extension of the eastern entrance building
- Completion of platform cladding
- Installation of ventilation systems
- Cable laying and overhead line installation
- Further track construction within the tunnel tubes
Stuttgart 21 is moving at ICE speed – clearly visible for all to see!
Progess Update: Tunnel tubes and eastern entrance
Southern Widening Structure: Partition wall with division into two tunnel tubes – transition to the eastern approach track (left) and connection stub for the future “Pfaffensteig Tunnel” project (right)
Expansion structure with a view towards the railway station. Completed inner shell with edge and escape route, and branch to the eastern surge chamber (left)
Eastern entrance: Rising shaft structure, formwork for a C-wall
Eastern entrance: Rising shaft structure, north side overview with applied waterproofing (plastic sealing membrane)
Eastern entrance: Reinforcement overview of the foundation slab of the elliptical station building
Eastern entrance: Overview of the structural shell of the elliptical reception building
About CDM Smith
CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges.