zeit.de
Excavation of "Wilhelmine" Resumes Rastatt Tunnel Construction
After a 2017 accident that halted a major European railway line for seven weeks, the embedded tunnel boring machine "Wilhelmine" has been fully excavated in Rastatt, Germany, allowing the Deutsche Bahn to resume construction of the tunnel's east tube with 200 meters remaining.
- What is the immediate impact of the completed removal of the tunnel boring machine "Wilhelmine" on the Rastatt tunnel project?
- Wilhelmine", a tunnel boring machine embedded in concrete after a 2017 accident in Rastatt, Germany, has been fully excavated and removed. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) has resumed construction on the Rastatt tunnel's east tube, with 200 meters remaining.
- How did the 2017 accident involving "Wilhelmine" impact the railway line, and what measures were undertaken to mitigate the damage?
- The 2017 accident, which caused a seven-week shutdown of a major north-south rail line, led to the encasement of Wilhelmine in 10,500 cubic meters of concrete. 52,000 cubic meters of material have since been removed to extract the machine, highlighting the scale of the incident and subsequent remediation.
- What are the long-term implications of this incident on the overall Karlsruhe-Basel rail expansion project and its projected timeline?
- The completion of Wilhelmine's removal marks a significant step in the Rastatt tunnel's reconstruction, part of a larger project to expand the Karlsruhe-Basel rail line by 2041. This expansion aims to increase ICE train speeds and improve capacity on a crucial European transport artery, though the final cost remains unclear due to ongoing legal processes.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily as a technical achievement—the successful removal of the embedded machine and the ongoing progress of the tunnel construction. While acknowledging the initial accident, the emphasis is on the positive aspects of the reconstruction and completion of the project. The headline could be considered somewhat positive in framing the event. This focus might unintentionally downplay the severity of the original incident and the disruption it caused.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. Terms like "folgenschwere Havarie" (severe accident) are accurate descriptions, not charged language. The article maintains an objective tone throughout the report.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the technical aspects of removing the tunnel boring machine and the progress of the Rastatt tunnel project. However, it omits discussion of the initial cause of the accident in 2017. While the article mentions the collapse of the tracks, it doesn't delve into the investigation's findings or the responsibilities assigned for the incident. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact of the extensive concrete work is not addressed. The lack of detail regarding the cost of the accident and the overall project might also be considered an omission, given its significance.
Sustainable Development Goals
The reconstruction of the Rastatt tunnel is a crucial infrastructure project that improves rail transport efficiency and connectivity. The project directly contributes to more reliable and faster rail travel, supporting economic growth and sustainable transportation. The recycling of the tunnel boring machine parts also aligns with sustainable resource management.