Renovation of Harpfnerwand Tunnel completed

The comprehensive safety-related renovation of Harpfnerwand Tunnel is now complete after a construction period of almost three years. VERBUND and the Austrian state of Tyrol have thoroughly modernised the 2.6-kilometre-long single-lane tunnel and opened it up to cars. This means the region now has a much safer and more reliable connecting route that serves as an important alternative route if the section of road through the gorge between Mayrhofen and Ginzling is closed.

“We’ve brought the Harpfnerwand Tunnel up to the latest safety standards – from rescue niches with breathing apparatus to new ventilation, lighting and video surveillance,” said Marco Fiegl, VERBUND plant group manager. “Working in the rocky north portal area with cutting and blasting works was particularly challenging. We would like to sincerely thank the residents for their patience during the periods of increased noise levels.” The noisy activities in the north portal area finished at the end of March 2024.

The Harpfnerwand Tunnel was built in 1965 as part of the construction of the power plant and also because the Dornauberg gorge section had not yet been extended at that time. With a steep longitudinal gradient of a good 7%, the tunnel presents specific requirements in terms of safety, drainage and ventilation. The recently completed modernisation brings the facility up to the latest technological standards and boosts the resilience of the regional transportation infrastructure. The VERBUND plant group Zillertal looks after around 70 km of roads, including around 8 km of tunnels and galleries.