Repair Works in the Gotthard Base Tunnel
According to Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), the repair work on the Gotthard Base Tunnel is progressing as planned. SBB continues to expect the tunnel to be fully reopened in September 2024.
Since repair work began in October 2023, around seven kilometres of damaged rails have been replaced in the Gotthard Base Tunnel
Credit/Quelle: SBB CFF FFS
The installation of the new track change gate in the Faido multifunction station marks a significant step in the repair of the tunnel. Due to its size, the custom-built gate was brought into the tunnel in parts at the end of April 2024 and took around six weeks to assemble and install. In its final state, the track change gate will be around four metres wide and seven metres high. After installation, the electromechanical and hydraulic door control system will be installed in the track change gate and then tested.
Since the start of the reconstruction work at the end of October 2023, the carriageway has been completely renewed over seven kilometres. The rails have been replaced, as have over 20 000 sleeper blocks and the concrete layer in which they are embedded. At the Faido multifunction station, the two high-speed switches were also replaced along with the actuators.
Complete Recommissioning Scheduled for September 2024
Installation of the new track change gate in the Faido multifunction station
Credit/Quelle: SBB CFF FFS
The next steps include restoring the railway technology equipment, completing work on the tunnel installations – including the lighting and fire sensors – and testing and approving them. The tunnel will also be completely cleaned, including the cross-passages. For this purpose, the entire tunnel will be vacuumed with a special construction train and all the fine dust will be removed. Before the Gotthard Base Tunnel can be put back into full operation, extensive test and trial runs will be necessary. SBB still expects the Gotthard Base Tunnel to be fully reopened in September 2024.
