Zero local emissions with reliable concrete spraying performance

The almost 3 km long Morschacher Tunnel is one of two new road tunnels forming the core of the A4 Neue Axenstrasse, a major infrastructure project between the Swiss cantons of Schwyz and Uri. Together with over 4 km long Sisikoner Tunnel, the new connection is designed to improve the safety and reliability of this important north-south route, while diverting through traffic away from the village of Sisikon. The new Axenstrasse is currently scheduled to open in 2033.

Construction of the Morschacher Tunnel is being carried out by ARGE Urnersee Morschach. Following preparatory works that began in 2025, the first official blast in May 2026 marked the start of the main tunnel excavation. Construction company Marti Tunnel AG, part of the Swiss Marti Group with more than 100 years of experience in construction, is responsible for the entire tunnel construction cycle, from drilling and blasting to concrete lining.

Concrete spraying is an essential part of the tunnelling cycle, requiring equipment that delivers consistent spraying performance and operates reliably in demanding underground conditions. For the Morschacher Tunnel project, Marti selected three Normet Spraymec 8100 VC SD battery-electric concrete sprayers, supplied through Normet’s Central European tunnelling equipment distributor and service partner, Avesco.

Battery-electric technology in tunnelling operations

The Spraymec 8100 VC SD combines Normet's SmartDrive battery-electric powertrain with advanced concrete spraying technology designed for demanding tunnelling operations. Equipped with Normet SmartSpray, the machine provides operator assistance and automated boom movements to support precise, consistent and efficient concrete spraying.

Beyond zero local emissions and reduced maintenance requirements, battery-electric technology also eliminates several operational challenges associated with diesel engines in tunnelling. Short tramming distances and cold conditions can prevent diesel engines and their exhaust aftertreatment systems from reaching optimal operating temperatures, potentially causing issues with diesel particulate filter regeneration and increasing maintenance needs. Normet's SmartDrive battery-electric powertrain avoids these diesel-specific challenges, supporting more efficient and reliable underground operations.

“The advantage for us mechanics is, that there is less work because there is no diesel engine. There is not oil or filters, and it is less polluting inside the tunnel,” says Miguel Cardoso, Workshop Manager, Marti Tunnel AG.

For Avesco, feedback from the Morschacher Tunnel project is an important indication of how battery-electric technology is performing in real-world tunnelling operations.

“It is great that Normet was able to integrate alternative drive technology into the Spraymecs. That is already a success, but of course, it is only a true success when we receive positive feedback from the job site and we have a satisfied customer who recognises the added value these machines provide,” says Stefan Zürcher, CEO, Avesco TEC.

Local support through Avesco

As Normet's distributor and service partner for tunnelling equipment in Central Europe, Avesco combines its strong local market presence and service capabilities with Normet's expertise in underground equipment and advanced technologies.

“Avesco has built a strong reputation in the tunnelling industry and is highly respected by end customers in the region. This is why Normet selected Avesco as its partner,” says Jari Kokkonen, Director, Services Europe, Normet.

Having local support available throughout the equipment lifecycle is particularly important in tunnelling, where machine availability and responsive technical support can have a direct impact on construction progress.

The Morschacher Tunnel project demonstrates how battery-electric technology can be integrated into demanding tunnelling operations, supported by close cooperation between the construction contractor, equipment manufacturer and local service partner. With the Spraymec 8100 VC SD units operating on site, Marti is gaining practical experience of the benefits of battery-electric concrete spraying in a major infrastructure project.