BLS completes Lötschberg Summit Tunnel modernisation

The modernisation of the Lötschberg Summit Tunnel is finally completed after six years of work, BLS said. “The tunnel can now be used continuously on both tracks by freight trains with four-meter-high semi-trailers”, the company said. All traffic restrictions will be lifted as of Saturday 5 October 2024.

The tunnel is now equipped with a slab track which replaced the ballast below the rail tracks. According to BLS, ballast-less pavement can last up to 60 years, compared to the 40 of a gravel pavement. Moreover, A slab track needs less maintenance, as the ballast often needs to be compacted to ensure the stability of the tracks.

The Lötschberg rail axis

The Lötschberg Summit Tunnel (opened in 1913), together with the Lötschberg Base Tunnel (opened in 2007), forms one of the most important axis for rail freight in Switzerland. “Of the up to 110 freight trains that travel along the axis every day, between 20 and 50 travel through the summit tunnel on the mountain route”, BLS stated.

Now that the old tunnel has been sorted, it is time for the newer one. The plan here seems to double the Lötschber Base Tunnel also in order to increase safety. In the aftermath of the accident that kept the Gotthard closed for over a year, Switzerland might be leaning towards having rail tunnels separate tubes to avoid dire consequences.