Metro builders are preparing the shield for tunneling to Freedom Square.

      April 23, 2026 11:03 Society At the site behind the dead ends of the "Gorkovskaya" metro station, preparations have begun to launch the tunnel boring machine. This was reported in the Max channel "MetroNN". Specialists are currently installing the brush seals of the so-called "skirt" of the shield. These elements ensure the tightness of the structure and prevent groundwater from entering during the tunnel excavation. A total of three rows of seals are planned to be installed. After this stage is completed, the builders will proceed to further assemble the mechanized tunnel boring complex. According to representatives of the general contractor, the planned launch of the shield has been postponed to the second quarter. The adjustment of deadlines is related to the need to carry out regulatory work to strengthen the foundation of the building located next to the starting pit.

      According to the project, the shield will pass through the right tunnel from the assembly chamber on Gorky Street to Freedom Square. The length of the section will be 729 meters, with a depth of about 20 meters. The tunnel boring complex was previously delivered to Nizhny Novgorod from China. Its rotor diameter is 6 meters, which is a standard figure for Russian projects. The equipment manufacturer, the Chinese company CRCC, has provided the Russian side with a complete set of permitting documentation. It was previously reported that the construction of metro stations at Sennaya and Svoboda squares will be completed by August 2027. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+