Comprehensive cable protection for major Austrian expressway

In the Mühlviertel region of Austria, the new S10 expressway is being constructed to improve road connections between Austria and Czechia. 

The section between Freistadt and Rainbach Nord, construction lot 02, will rely on Pipelife cable protection systems  with 56 km of cable ducts and 28 km of fiber-optic conduits being laid along the 5 km route. Construction works are being carried out as a joint venture between contractors PORR, Gebrüder Haider, and Held & Franke.

The route will bypass the towns of Vierzehn and Rainbach and connect directly to the B310 landesstraße , easing pressure on local road infrastructure and reducing traffic for these communities.

_{Facilitating a national digital network} 

Once installed, Pipelife’s  cable protection systems will become part of Austria’s national highway network (operated by the Autobahn and Expressway Finance Corporation, ASFINAG ). 

This network transmits data from sensors, cameras and traffic management systems to the central office in Vienna, where data  is analyzed and used for control purposes. Maximum reliability from well protected cables is essential as emergency calls and phone connections also run via this network .

_{Harnessing a complete cable protection solution}

The project took advantage of Pipelife Austria’s wide range of cable protection products: From robust cable ducts in various dimensions to fiber optic sheathing pipes, connection and end fittings, and prefab inspection chambers. 

_{Versatile cable ducts for easier installation}

Pipelife PE composite ducts offer reliable protection for both high-voltage power lines and telecommunications cables.

The attached double socket ensures a sand-tight connection while the integrated cable-pull and smooth interiors enable easier, low friction cable installation.

_{Reliable fiber-optic protection}

Pipelife conduits for fiber-optic cables are manufactured from virgin HDPE and offer robust protection for sensitive optical fibers. Thanks to the longitudinally grooved inner structure, fiber-optic cables can be easily pulled or blown through conduits. This internal structure creates an air cushion that facilitates particularly long blow-in lengths.

Connections are made using transparent screw fittings, which are pressure-tight up to 16 bar and allow installers to monitor insertion depths.

_{Prefab cable chambers: Ready to use and highly adaptable}

Our high-quality PP square chambers are the ideal solution for electrical and fiber optic cables — whether for lighting and signaling systems or telecommunications. They ensure easy access to existing cables or empty conduits and are delivered fully pre-assembled to save time on-site.

Openings for cable protection pipes are easily made on-site using a core drill, while extension frames and adjusting screws allow the chamber to be adapted in size and shape to meet specific project conditions.

The S10 project utilized chambers with heavy-duty class D road covers.

_{Another satisfied partner}

Peter Kurzmann, technician at PORR Bau GmbH, expressed his appreciation of the material quality and cooperation with Pipelife Austria:

“Pipelife provides us with a complete solution that meets ASFINAG’s high technical requirements and ensures maximum safety and durability. We appreciate the reliable material quality, the smooth logistics and the competent support from the Pipelife team — this allows us to implement a project of this scale in a planned and efficient manner.”

Construction on this section of the S10 expressway began in September 2024 and is scheduled to complete in the second half of 2027.