Name and Location
Gotthard Base tunnel project, Switzerland.

Client
AlpTransit.

Project Description
The Gotthard Base tunnel involves the construction of what is currently the longest railway tunnel in the world, joining the north portal at Erstfeld with the south portal at Bodio.

The project comprises two 57-km-long single-track tubes, which are connected together every 325 m by cross passages.

Including all cross passages, access tunnels and shafts, the total length of the tunnel system is more than 152 km. With a rock overburden of up to 2 300 m, the tunnel is also the world’s deepest railway tunnel constructed to date.

Two multifunction stations at Faido and Sedrun divide the two tubes into three almost equally long sections. The multifunction stations each contain emergency stop stations and two track crossovers. In case of an incident, such as a fire in the train or a fault in the Gotthard Base tunnel, whenever possible, the affected train will travel out of the tunnel into the open air. If this is not possible, the driver stops the train at an emergency stop.

Besides the tunnel, numerous built structures, such as underpasses and bridges, are required for the tunnel approaches. The overground section in the Reuss valley, in the canton of Uri, crosses inhabited areas, roads, rivers and agricultural land.

Protective measures against noise, dust and floods, as well as for nature conservation, are therefore equally important challenges in the technical implementation of the new railway line.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Opening of the tunnel is scheduled for December 2016.

Latest Developments
The remaining final work operations in the access adit are being prepared.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
AlpTransit, tel +41 41 226 06 06, fax +41 41 226 06 00 or email info@alptransit.ch.