The already debilitated Transalpine rail freight corridor is undergoing another set of infrastructure closures targeting tunnel upgrades. Closures along what is known as the Simplon route have been underway since 9 June. Specifically, the Arona-Stresa section of the Milan-Domodossola-Sempione line will be closed for three months until 8 September. In addition, the route between Iselle, near the Swiss-Italian border, and Domodossola will also be closed between 9 and 30 August.

According to the plans of the Swiss Federal Office for Transport (FOT), the most probable diversion for services affected by the closures will be the Gotthard axis. This axis already operates at almost full capacity following the accident that occurred in the Gotthard base tunnel in August last year.

In the meantime, and for the Arona-Stressa line closure (9 June-8 September), trains carrying P400 trailers will be able to access the Simplon route via the Novara-Borgomanero-Premosello-Domo2, which operates on a single track and does not provide much flexibility to operators.

Most closures concern upgrading tunnels to fit the P400 profile. In this sense, they are essential for the whole Transalpine corridor in terms of increasing rail capacity. However, as Italian media mentions, these closures also constitute a “black period” for rail logistics, considering that they add more pressure on companies.

Also read:

• How much will the disruptions in the Alps cost for rail freight operators?

• Rail freight across the Alps dropped, but not because of the Gotthard