Between lake and steep face
A challenging refurbishment project on the N08. Built with respect for landscape and traffic. There are places where technology does not dominate the foreground. Places where construction work remains in the background, but is critical to the safety of thousands of people. Between Bönigen and Brienz, the N08 runs right along the shores of Lake Brienz, a road that stands out due to its spectacular location as well as its structural challenges. The section has been undergoing extensive renovation since 2021 – without interrupting traffic, under extreme time pressure and with careful consideration for one of the most sensitive landscapes in Switzerland.
Coordinated in shift work
The Marti Brienzersee consortium, consisting of Marti Bern, Marti Zurich, Marti Central Switzerland and Marti Tunnel, is also renovating tunnels, bridges and engineering structures over 13 kilometres in addition to the road. The Sengg Tunnel and the Chüebalm Tunnel were each closed completely for one weekend. The Giessbach Tunnel, which is more than twice as long, was closed for two whole weekends. Up to 220 employees were on duty at the same time, working shifts around the clock to complete the work during this short time window. Work was also carried out above and below the route – on scaffolding, walls, utility lines and bridge bearings, with the goal of building as efficiently as possible while at the same time as unobtrusively as possible.
Fine-tuned technology
Each intervention had to be planned such that it was in harmony with the environment, for example, when delivering building materials, when taking into consideration protected forests and when securing slopes. Despite the enormity of the project, a large part of the construction site remained almost invisible to many travellers. And yet a modernised, secure infrastructure that will endure is gradually being constructed here. Completion is scheduled for summer 2025.
This construction site presented numerous challenges, in particular the coordination between the internal Group companies and external subcontractors. Despite this, collaboration remained efficient throughout, sustained by a strong team spirit and the joint commitment of all those involved. A challenging construction site in one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes – where technology and nature are in harmony.
The demands were high and the schedule was tight. But by joining forces and in the midst of magnificent scenery, it turned out to be a remarkable project.
Hard Facts
- 1,600 m³ concrete work
- 91 bridge bearings
- 1,200 m² surface scaffolding
- 6,000 m² façade scaffolding
- 21,000 m² suspended scaffolding