Cleverly bridging tight bends

Implenia is carrying out one of the largest civil engineering projects in western Switzerland in the Vaud Alps. "Here at La Barboleuse, we are building a bridge around 200 meters long that connects Villars-sur-Ollon with Gryon, as well as all the existing structures on both sides of the bridge and the retaining walls upstream," explains site manager Johan Vermot.

The construction site poses particular challenges for the employees. "On the one hand, we are working on steep terrain with limited space for personnel and machinery, and on the other, we have to ensure that cars and trains can pass on the existing road," explains junior site manager Nina Davin. "At the same time, we have to push ahead with the construction." The team uses digital technologies wherever possible. "Our BIM model is a key component that allows us to identify problems early on and work together on solutions," emphasizes Johan Vermot.

One particularly challenging phase was the assembly of the metal structure of a bridge span using a 450-ton crane, which was placed on the existing road. This precision work required maximum concentration and several days of shift work.

And the bridge itself? It is made of Corten steel, a special type of red steel that oxidizes naturally over a few months and requires neither surface treatment nor paint. It is a corrosion- and weather-resistant steel - ideal for the climate in the Vaud Alps, where nature plays a major role alongside tourism.