OREANDA-NEWS. February 14, 2012. The SK MOST Group companies are driving a new tunnel as part of the first phase of reconstruction of Obluchensky Tunnel that is located in Obluchie - Izvestkovaya section (the 8193rd kilometer of the Trans-Siberian Railway Line, Evreyskaya Autonomous Region).

The new tunnel is driven from both ends, from the western and eastern entries. The operations on the project were started in autumn of 2011. The full-section driving is conducted by drilling and blasting from the western entry side. The tunnel cap driving was started from the eastern entry side. A total of 255 meters out of 860 meters have been driven by mid-January.

The driving of the new tunnel is to be completed in the second quarter of 2012 after which water proofing operations and concrete lining and drainage duct erection will be started, and the builders will then proceed with erection of reinforced concrete tunnel entry structures. The new tunnel is scheduled for opening of train traffic at the end of 2013.

Obluchensky Tunnel is upgraded because of its wear and tear and also to cope with the increased freight flow along the Trans-Siberian Railway Line going to the Far Eastern ports.