Results for Lötschberg
Link through the Lötschberg
The Lötschberg line and its tunnel connect Switzerland’s western plateau with Italy.
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 eventApproval from western Switzerland
The main beneficiaries of the base tunnels through the Gotthard and Lötschberg are Zurich, Bern, Valais and Ticino. But the French-speaking cantons of western Switzerland also gain from the NRLA.
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 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 eventYes to public transport funding
Funding for the NRLA is secured: over 30 billion francs are to be spent modernising Switzerland’s rail infrastructure.
View eventSupervision
Responsibility for ensuring that the large-scale project proceeds efficiently and in accordance with the law lies with parliament’s supervisory delegation.
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 eventThe costs
Funding for the project is hotly debated. The main issue is rising costs.
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 eventThe Lötschberg enters operation
With the opening of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, a first section of the NRLA becomes operational.
View eventUsing the tunnels to get away
The vast majority of passengers taking the train for their journey through the Alps are travelling not for business but for pleasure.
View eventA million visitors
During construction of the Gotthard and Lötschberg Base Tunnels, the general public have an opportunity to view the inside of the mountain. Huge numbers do so.
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 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.
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