U2/U5 Construction Site Causes Significant Building Damage on Linke Wienzeile

During the construction of the Vienna subway project U2xU5, a serious incident occurred at the beginning of November: The tunnel floor broke, causing the ground level in the surrounding area to sink. The result: building damage and great uncertainty among residents, as reported by ORF Vienna.

Ground Subsidence Leaves Traces in Apartments on Linke Wienzeile

The effects are clearly noticeable. Residents report warped door frames, broken water pipes, and cracks in walls and facades. In some apartments, ceilings have already had to be supported. A resident described that new cracks appear weekly and existing cracks are enlarging. In one case, protective scaffolding was even erected on the sidewalk.

The uncertainty is great. "I am afraid," says a resident in close proximity to the construction site. Many people in the affected section of Linke Wienzeile are concerned about the condition of their properties – especially if they have only bought or renovated them a few years ago.

Vienna Public Transport Emphasizes Safety Precautions

Project manager Johann Loreth from the Vienna public transport company emphasizes that safety is not at risk. "We know the condition of the individual objects at the construction site," says Loreth. Subsidence of up to four centimeters is not unusual for such projects. Nevertheless, the incident is being investigated and a remediation plan is being developed.

Currently, the Vienna public transport company is monitoring the ground movements at several measuring points along the construction site. According to Loreth, major structural damage to the buildings can be ruled out.

Civil Engineer: Incident Not Common

The president of the Association of Civil Engineering and Engineering Companies, Thomas Hoppe, described the incident as uncommon in the ORF "Midday Journal". In any case, any structural engineer "who sees a four-centimeter crack in a load-bearing reinforced concrete component would order immediate measures." However, surprises in civil engineering are minimized as much as possible, especially with the Wiener Linien.

"During the construction of subway tunnels, ground movements can occur," emphasized the Wiener Linien. "To handle these well, we start preparations long before the heavy civil engineering begins." Firstly, there were 250 test drillings in the vicinity of the future subway route, which provided information about the soil conditions and were incorporated into a geological 3D model. Secondly, the houses in the vicinity of the construction work were inspected in advance and their condition analyzed. Thirdly, 3,000 shafts were dug in the houses along the route for thorough preliminary investigations. If necessary, fourthly, concrete slabs would be poured and basements reinforced. "All this is done to be prepared even before construction begins," said the Wiener Linien.

Damage from Construction Work Covered by Insurance

It was also emphasized that the ombuds offices of the Wiener Linien would take care of the concerns of the residents. The neighborhood coordinators are in daily "exchange with the people on site." They would also accept damage reports, document them, and, if necessary, immediately arrange for immediate measures. "Damages that were actually caused by the construction work are fully covered by insurance. The Wiener Linien file a damage report, forward it to the insurance company, and arrange for immediate safety measures if necessary," it was stated. "At Pilgramgasse, the contact is: pilgramgasse@wienerlinien.at 01/7909-67830."

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