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| Doka delivers custom-engineered tunnel formwork for metro expansion  Vienna is expanding its public transport network with a major underground project aimed at increasing capacity and supporting more sustainable urban mobility. Doka contributes to several construction phases with tailored tunnel formwork solutions for complex geometries, demanding construction sequences and challenging logistics. Deep below Vienna's city centre, the U2xU5 project — the extension of metro line U2 and the construction of U5, Vienna's first fully automated metro line — is creating new tunnel and station structures in a dense urban environment. Where tunnel tubes, shafts, cross passages and escalator tunnels meet at different angles, the project requires systems precisely matched to geometry, construction sequence and logistics. Doka contributes its engineering and execution expertise from 3D planning and pre-assembled formwork units to assembly on site.Multiple stations, one underground challenge Doka is involved in several construction phases of Vienna's U2xU5 project, supporting the ARGE U2 17–21 consortium, led by STRABAG and PORR, since 2021 — first at the station Matzleinsdorfer Platz and now also at Reinprechtsdorfer Straße, Pilgramgasse and Neubaugasse. The challenge is not a single construction site, but multiple underground stations and tunnel sections in a dense urban environment, each with its own geometry, logistics and construction sequence. "The complex structures along the U2 extension demand bespoke solutions and close collaboration across all project partners. Doka provides the technical expertise and customised formwork solutions needed to meet these challenges. Our long-standing partnership plays a key role in the successful delivery of this major infrastructure project," says Markus Kravutske, Site Manager, ARGE U2 17–21. The project will also improve everyday mobility in Vienna: at Matzleinsdorfer Platz, around 50,000 people are expected to benefit from the new connection to the urban railway. To enable that link, a technically highly demanding underground tunnel and station structure is taking shape beneath the surface. It highlights what is essential in inner-city subway construction: precise planning, tightly coordinated logistics and a construction sequence in which preparation and execution have to work seamlessly together. Doka supplied formwork travellers and tailored solutions for the tunnel structures in the station areas. Tailored formwork traveller solutions will also be used at the Matzleinsdorfer Platz turnout structure, including widening sections where the two tunnel tubes merge into a single structure. Precision where space is tight The complexity of the project becomes particularly evident at the Neubaugasse station. While everyday city life continues above ground, a key interchange to the existing U3 line is being built 35 metres below street level. In a highly confined space, station tubes, cross passages, escalator tunnels, ventilation tunnels and crossing structures meet at different angles. To manage these transitions, Doka developed 3D-planned formwork solutions precisely tailored to the respective geometry. The systems used include the Heavy-duty supporting system SL-1 and the proven Large-area formwork Top 50. Tunnel expertise in action Doka brings decades of expertise in tunnel construction to Vienna's public transport expansion, drawing international large-scale infrastructure projects such as Sydney Metro in Australia, the metro expansion in Stockholm and metro projects in Madrid. A decisive success factor is Doka's early involvement in planning and work preparation. This makes it possible to align the systems with the project requirements from the outset. "When it comes to tunnel construction, every detail matters. Transportable units are pre-assembled at our Doka plant close to our headquarters and then precisely assembled on-site. This significantly reduces installation work on site and saves valuable construction time," says Harald Zulehner, Managing Director of Doka Austria. Doka also relies on modular systems, allowing many components to be reused across several construction phases. This keeps progress deep underground reliably predictable. A contribution to the mobility of tomorrow Vienna's U2xU5 expansion is far more than a tunnel construction project. According to the client, Wiener Linien, the new cross-city link will create capacity for an additional 300 million passengers per year and can save around 550 million car kilometres annually. The project therefore stands as a strong example of future urban mobility. With tailored solutions for complex tunnel and station sections, Doka is making a tangible contribution to bringing this project to life. write your comments about the article :: © 2026 Construction News :: home page |