Results for Base tunnel
The first base tunnel
Long before the Gotthard and Lötschberg, the first base tunnel in Swiss rail history is driven through the hills at Hauenstein near Olten.
View eventThe Europe-Africa Express
An engineer has a vision: from Basel to Chiasso by rail in just two hours – time enough for a shower, a haircut and some telephone calls.
View eventThe Gotthard Base Tunnel
The Confederation moots the idea of a «Gotthard Base Rail Tunnel», and commissions Elektro-Watt to develop a project.
View eventThe tunnel plan
Specialists arguing for a Gotthard Base Tunnel point to Switzerland’s important position as a European transit nation.
View eventThe abortive project begins
The plan for the first Gotthard Base Tunnel is thwarted by the economic crisis of the mid-1970s.
View eventThe Gotthard myth
The Gotthard enjoys mythical status in Switzerland. It symbolises Switzerland’s defensive potential, but also its transit function.
View eventA dissertation revives a railway
Rarely has an academic dissertation caused such a political stir. Hans-Jörg Bertschi’s work lends new momentum to the NRLA.
View eventFive options
Lötschberg-Simplon, Gotthard, Ypsilon or one of two Splügen options? The Federal Council decides to pursue the Gotthard and Lötschberg-Simplon options.
View eventParliament backs the NRLA
Parliament’s backing for the construction of the NRLA is based on regional, environmental and European policy arguments.
View eventYes to the NRLA
Swiss voters approve the NRLA proposal by a clear majority, paving the way for construction of the new Gotthard, Ceneri and Lötschberg tunnels.
View eventTunnel vision
The NRLA is architecture. A minimalist formal language pervades its every construction, even down to the barely visible tunnels.
View eventWork begins
The NRLA is far more than just the Gotthard Base Tunnel, but the first exploratory boring for the NRLA project takes place at the Gotthard.
View eventGreen light for the network option
The Federal Council confirms the network option for the NRLA, clearing the way for construction of the Gotthard-Ceneri and Lötschberg axes.
View eventUri’s concerns
The canton of Uri is particularly affected by construction of the Gotthard axis. It wants the approach route to the rail tunnel to run underground. Negotiations with the Confederation run far from smoothly.
View eventConstruction begins
Although work actually began earlier, the first blasting at the Lötschberg is regarded as the official start of NRLA construction.
View eventGeology and surveying
Tunnel construction depends on scientific knowledge. Geology helps to find ways through the rock.
View eventYes to the Ceneri Base Tunnel
Funding for the Ceneri tunnel is controversial. Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger argues strongly in its favour.
View eventControl in the tunnel
A new control system transmits movement commands via a digital radio network to a screen in the driver’s cab.
View eventConstruction of the Ceneri tunnel
The Ceneri Base Tunnel is the third major project forming part of the NRLA. Although somewhat overshadowed by the Gotthard and Lötschberg tunnels, it will usher in a new era for regional transport in Ticino.
View eventBreakthrough in the Gotthard
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the centrepiece of the NRLA. The first breakthrough by a boring machine takes place in the east bore.
View eventThe Lötschberg enters operation
With the opening of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, a first section of the NRLA becomes operational.
View eventTraversing the Piora Basin
The Piora Basin, with its sugar-grain rock, threatens to endanger construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
View eventTunnels of the world
Whose tunnel is the longest? Tunnel construction is a never-ending competition for the world record.
View eventHigh-profile guests at the opening ceremony
No expense is spared at the Gotthard Base Tunnel inauguration ceremony in 2016. Merkel, Hollande and Renzi are in attendance, but not the heads of the EU.
View eventMind the doors
The escape doors installed in the Gotthard tunnel are the best there is. They owe their construction to the NRLA. One major innovation led to multiple minor innovations.
View eventThe train feels the strain
The Lötschberg Base Tunnel becomes a victim of its own success. Planning for an expansion is already under way.
View event43,152 trains
In the opening months, traffic in the new Gotthard Base Tunnel occasionally grinds to a halt. The SBB lay on extra trains to cope.
View eventCeneri, the third base tunnel
The NRLA is more than its three tunnels, but they are convenient media labels for the project stages. Completion of the Ceneri Base Tunnel in 2020 marks the end of the NRLA.
View eventWhither the mountain routes?
Not everyone is a winner from the NRLA. The future of the world-famous Gotthard mountain route through the Urseren Valley and the Leventina is still undecided.
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