Broadband expansion: SPIE expands Deutsche Bahn’s fibre-optic network between Hof and Selbitz

Railway digitalisation in 24/7 shift operation

DB's fibre-optic network runs parallel to its rail network over more than 18 500 kilometres all across Germany - and its expansion is continuing apace. The order for SPIE Deutschland & Zentraleuropa encompasses not only the continuous cable run and all the necessary slope stabilisation measures, peripheral installations, shafts and rail crossings along rail line 5021, but also the installation of the fibre-optic cables. 'To construct the planned cable duct run, we're working on 15 workdays in 24/7 shift operation,' says Gerald Selwitschka, the project manager responsible at SPIE. 'This places high requirements on our 20-strong team in terms of work preparation and construction-site logistics. The services we are providing are extremely complex, and the road-rail vehicles that we need are available only in limited quantities,' he added.

Decades of experience with cable runs on railway tracks

'We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide our long-standing customer Deutsche Bahn with these comprehensive rail services and to support it through the digital transformation,' says Norman Macik, Southern Bavaria branch manager in SPIE's CityNetworks & Grids operational division. 'Our highly motivated and dedicated team is committed to making the project a success. We offer decades of experience and the specialist expertise necessary for installing cable connections alongside railway tracks,' he continues. The projects are both diverse and complex and usually need to be implemented as quickly as possible. A variety of safety measures - paired with highly specific, project-related requirements - call for wide-ranging expertise and maximum flexibility.