The 1.3km B10 Rosenstein Tunnel in the German city of Stuttgart is set to open March 26 after eight years of construction.
Cost of the project, part of a larger interchange plan for the city, is around €416 million, more than double the original estimate. Construction of the nearby Leuze interchange for the B10 and B14 motorways continues with the third Leuze Tunnel scheduled to open mid this year.
Road authorities and operators have recently been conducting fire tests and rescue scenarios in the twin-tube Rosenstein Tunnel which runs under Rosenstein Park and parts of the Wilhelma Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The structure has four cross-tunnels and several emergency stop areas.
Opening of the tunnel was originally set for last November but supply chain issues. including delivery delays for some material for operational and safety equipment, put the date back, Dirk Thürnau, Stuttgart’s mayor and head of the city’s technical department, said at the time. "We are working flat out on completion of the Rosenstein Tunnel. Unfortunately, we are being slowed down by the delivery problems of stainless steel, cables and electronic components that are currently being identified worldwide," he said.
The tunnel is effectively a bypass of a longer route between the two motorways, allowing the demolition of some of the old highway and turning it into green space as well as more pedestrian and cycle paths.
A project overview can be seen by clicking here.
