Gotthard Base Tunnel: Track Installation completed

At the end of October 2014 the final sections of track were laid in the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT). This means that the world’s longest rail tunnel can now be negotiated over its entire 57 km length on tracks in its two bores. Towards this end around 131 000 m³ of concrete was used, 380 000 individual block sleepers were laid and 290 km of rails installed in the tunnel. The tracks were laid within 39 months with work progressing 24 hours per day. By installing the solid slab track in the GBT the first major sector of rail technology has been accomplished and the transportation of all...