The Community of Madrid has announced the imminent arrival of the Mayrit tunnel boring machine, a German technology equipment manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, which will be incorporated into the Metro Line 11 extension works as from December. This boring machinedesigned to adapt to the geological conditions of the capital, represents a key step in the section between Plaza Elíptica and Conde de Casal.
Mayrit tunnel boring machine already has a date to operate in Madrid
With a length of 98 meters and a weight of 1,500 tons, Mayrit is an EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) type TBM capable of excavating up to 15 meters per day. Its transfer from the German factory to the future Comillas station, in Carabanchel, will require a complex logistical process that includes its disassembly, sea transport to the Port of Santander and subsequent land transport.
According to the Minister of Housing, Transport and Infrastructures, Jorge Rodrigothe tunnel boring machine will start operating in March 2026, after its assembly in the capital. The extension is part of the new Diagonal Line project, which is expected to connect Cuatro Vientos and Valdebebas by means of an additional 33.5 kilometers of network.
At present, 18.4% of the work on the section between Plaza Elíptica and Conde de Casal is already 18.4% complete and 518 million euros will be invested in this phase. The pace of progress is accelerating thanks to manual work prior to the arrival of the tunnel boring machine and the continuous work of the technical teams.
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Source and photo: Metro de Madrid
