The consortium Spie Sud Est/Yvroud Europeenne des Fluides, Feyzin secured the EUR7.6 million contract for equipment maintenance in the Grand Lyon tunnels, the most important of which are Fourviere (1,850 m), Croix-Rousse (1,750 m), Brotteaux-Servient and Vivier-Merle (336 m). For more, contact Communaute Urbaine de Lyon, fax +33 478 957097, or visit http://marches.grandlyon.com. Visit http://ted.europa.eu/udl?request=Seek-Deliver&language=en&docid=058386-2010. 11/10...

Gähler und Partner AG of Ennetbaden have secured the EUR2.28 million contract for PM designer for safety refurbishment in 1.14 km-long Mosi tunnel on A4, near Brunnen. Contact OFROU, Zofingen, tel +41 6274575-11, fax -90, e-mail beschaffung.zofingen@astra.admin.ch. Visit http://ted.europa.eu/udl?request=Seek-Deliver&language=en&docid=062920-2010. 11/10...

IG BP2, c/o Bänziger Partner AG of Zurich, secured the EUR2.63 million contract from BAMO for 5.7 km-long N3 Kerenzer tunnel. Contact OFROU, Winterthour, tel +41 522344-711, fax -790, e-mail winterthur@astra.admin.ch. Visit http://ted.europa.eu/udl?request=Seek-Deliver&language=en&docid=062921-2010. 11/10..

Construction contract for Kuechelberg tunnel awarded to PAC SpA consortium, value EUR34,695,272 excluding VAT. More from PAC in Capo di Ponte, tel +39 0364331037, fax +39 036442303, e-mail info@pacspa.it and client APB in Bozen, tel +39 04714125-14, fax –39, e-mail gare-11.5@provincia.bz.it Visit http://ted.europa.eu/udl?request=Seek-Deliver&language=en&docid=071475-2010. 11/10...

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana SpA is inviting companies to prequalify for civil engineering work on railway tunnels in Italy. Further information and documents from Iacomino Raffaele at Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato in Milan, tel +39 02637 148-19, fax –20, e-mail dns-qs@rfi.it to whom requests to participate should be sent. Visit

Pre-feasibility study being undertaken by ILF Consulting Engineers for construction of single track railway line along the Karakorum highway between the end of the existing railway network in the south at Havelian and the border between Pakistan and China near the famous Khunjrab Pass in the north.

Prequalification underway by MTR for tender reference no 703 for West Island Line SHW to SYP tunnels value EUR30 million with a view to selective invitations to tender being issued in 4Q/2008 for contract award in 3Q/2009. Expressions of interest to Malcolm O’Neill, tel 3921 3383, e-mail moneill@mtr.com.hk Visit www.mtr.com.hk/eng/tenders/new_projects.html 45/08.

The Gotthard base tunnel, designated for the high speed rail transit of passengers and freight, has deployed four EH 25 air operated monorail hoists from J. D. Neuhaus from the start for handling operations associated with cutting equipment needed for successful completion of the tunnelling operation. Visit www.alptransit.ch

Dirt, dust and humidity are just some of the downsides involved with tunnelling operations, and keeping plant working in these conditions can provide major headaches. Factor in cutting machines weighing 40 tonnes with 8 m-diameter drilling heads, then space can also become a priority for routine as well as emergency procedures involved with keeping-up with production schedules.

Each of the hoists has a lift capacity of 25 tonnes at an operating air pressure of six bar. All hoists are equipped with motorised trolleys running on overhead mounting rails, achieving maximum lift advantage from their compact, low-headroom design. Two hoists are located at each side of the cutter head, enabling the safe and efficient handling of even long loads.

The EH range of monorail hoists from J. D. Neuhaus can be supplied with lift capacities from 10 to 100 tonnes. They are ideally suited to working in hazardous areas (particularly in conditions involving explosion risk), with a design that is insensitive to humidity, atmospheric dust or temperatures from -20° to +70°C. They can also be used in tandem, working in parallel with synchronised controls. Pendant controllers incorporate an emergency shut-off feature, and fail-safe devices ensure load stability in the event of interruption to the power air supply. Anti-climb and anti-drop devices are also incorporated, with overload protection also available.

All hoists are fitted with instant starting vane motors which require low maintenance, while all gearbox components utilise tempered or hardened high-grade steels. Standard Ex classification is Ex II 2 GD IIA T4(X) / II 3 GD IIB T4(X) with increased spark protection also available for explosion group IIC. Rack and pinion trolley drive, two speed travel control and filter silencers are also available as optional extras. Visit www.jdn.de 34-35/08.