The extension of the multi-utility tunnel at the Heidelberg University north-east campus "Im Neuenheimer Feld" is a new planning service, which is being supplied by igr under commission from the Mannheim and Heidelberg branch of the State Office for Property and Construction in Baden-Württemberg.

Currently, there is no continuous underground multi-utility tunnel within the grounds of the university and the university clinic. These areas will now be connected along a line totalling ca. 400 m between the pathology buildings and the Mathematikon building. As a prioritised first step, a part of the underground tunnel system will be extended. The planned supply tunnel, including the extension, also provides for the completion of the technical services circuit in the eastern part of the campus. The route of the multi-utility tunnel crosses or affects numerous sewers, domestic service connections, existing power and cable routes, fibre optic cables, gas supply lines and other supply lines, which are crucial for the supply and maintenance of the clinic and university operation. The multi-utility tunnel is designed as a two-storey construction, with a height of 6.46 m and a width of 5.00 m. Level 98, divided into warm and cold ducts to supply local and district heating, is on the lower level. Level 99 directly above, serves for personnel and goods vehicles, and other supply lines, in particular power, IT-systems and telecommunications. Commencement of the first construction phase is planned for autumn 2018, so that the incremental completion of the multi-utility tunnel on the Clinic and University grounds can be concluded, in conjunction with pending structural engineering work, by 2025. Thus, igr’s planning will contribute to the successful completion of the project.

The campus of Heidelberg university and the university clinic has the largest long-distance refrigeration network in Germany, which, though the extension of the multi-utility tunnel, will be lengthened still further.

Uwe Franzreb