Switzerland : final breakthrough in the Ceneri base Tunnel
Analysis of Mediarail.be - Signalling technician and railways observer
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25/01/2016
The Ceneri tunnel joins Magadino to Vezia in the canton of Ticino, close to Italy (Chiasso). It is an extension of the Gotthard route and is part of the NEAT (Neue Eisenbahn-Alpentransversale), the new Alpine rail link voted in 1996. Construction began in 2006 and the installation of railway components is expected to begin this summer. The 57 km Gotthard is itself already filled with his tracks and his catenary. The breakthrough took place with great accuracy: the horizontal deviation was 2 cm and vertically 1 cm. The event was broadcast live by Ticino Television (RSI). The Ceneri Base Tunnel is scheduled to become operational in December 2020. Switzerland will have a second rail infrastructure of high quality for the crossing of the Alps, after the Lötschberg, inaugurated in June 2007.
Twin-tube tunnel First preparatory work was performed already in 1997 with the 3.1-kilometres-long exploratory tunnel. In view of the complex geology, the Ceneri Base Tunnel was excavated entirely by drilling and blasting. Like the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the 15.4-kilometres-long Ceneri Base Tunnel consists of two single-track tunnels, which every 325 metres are linked by an approximately 40-metres-long cross passage. Because of the tunnel's shorter length, no track crossovers or emergency-stop stations are needed.
Next work operations in the Ceneri Base Tunnel With the final breakthrough, work operations in the Ceneri Base Tunnel are not yet complete. In the coming months, further progress will be made on the tunnel lining. By the end of 2016, all tubes and adits will have been completely lined and concreted. The railway infrastructure system specialists are fitting out the tunnel with mechanical and electromechanical systems such as doors, ventilation systems and building management systems. These ensure that the railway tunnel can be safely operated and maintained. Installation of the railway infrastructure systems will begin in summer 2017. The railway infrastructure installations comprise the track, catenary, electric power supply, cables, telecommunication and radio systems, safety and automation systems, and control systems.
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| (photo Alp Transit) |
Twin-tube tunnel First preparatory work was performed already in 1997 with the 3.1-kilometres-long exploratory tunnel. In view of the complex geology, the Ceneri Base Tunnel was excavated entirely by drilling and blasting. Like the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the 15.4-kilometres-long Ceneri Base Tunnel consists of two single-track tunnels, which every 325 metres are linked by an approximately 40-metres-long cross passage. Because of the tunnel's shorter length, no track crossovers or emergency-stop stations are needed.
Next work operations in the Ceneri Base Tunnel With the final breakthrough, work operations in the Ceneri Base Tunnel are not yet complete. In the coming months, further progress will be made on the tunnel lining. By the end of 2016, all tubes and adits will have been completely lined and concreted. The railway infrastructure system specialists are fitting out the tunnel with mechanical and electromechanical systems such as doors, ventilation systems and building management systems. These ensure that the railway tunnel can be safely operated and maintained. Installation of the railway infrastructure systems will begin in summer 2017. The railway infrastructure installations comprise the track, catenary, electric power supply, cables, telecommunication and radio systems, safety and automation systems, and control systems.
