Results for Through traffic
The second tunnel
After the Gotthard, the Simplon Tunnel becomes the second rail line through the Swiss Alps. Now, western Switzerland is connected to the south.
View eventThe 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 eventCar vs rail
Rail has held onto its lead for a long time, but with the opening of the Gotthard road tunnel in 1980 road transport through the Alps mounts a strong challenge.
View eventThe tunnel plan
Specialists arguing for a Gotthard Base Tunnel point to Switzerland’s important position as a European transit nation.
View eventGotthard or Splügen?
A tunnel through the Gotthard would be more profitable, but the Splügen would bring more benefits to the regional economy, the experts conclude.
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 event«Rail with road»
In an influential report, Infras recommends an internationally coordinated approach, and shifting road traffic onto the railways.
View eventCross-border solutions
A European transport conference in Frankfurt in 1989 gives its backing to rail transport. Adolf Ogi is there representing Switzerland.
View eventAgreement with Europe
Even before the Swiss people vote on the NRLA, politicians are discussing the project in their negotiations with the EEC.
View eventYes to the Alps Initiative
The unexpected popular vote in favour of the Alps Initiative accelerates development of the NRLA.
View eventLinks to other countries
The success of the NRLA hinges on countries other than Switzerland. The amount of freight carried by rail will only increase if the Rotterdam-Genoa axis is modernised.
View eventRotterdam–Genoa
Expansion of the Rotterdam–Genoa freight axis makes slow progress. Italy lags behind on sea-port links.
View eventA fire brings big changes
The fire in the Gotthard road tunnel is a shock. As a consequence, safety precautions are made more stringent in rail tunnels too. The fire paves the way for the second road tube.
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