As of 2015 high-speed trains will race through the Alps. Milelong jams in incredibly long tunnels will belong to the past once the Gotthard Base Tunnel project has been completed.
Image source: Alp Transit Gotthard AG
Preliminary work on the project started in Sedrun in 1996. Since then colossal boring machines have been making their way through the age-old rocks of the Alps.
Image source: Alp Transit Gotthard AG
In the main mountain range of the Alps drilling is done at five locations in three different cantons (Uri, Ticino, Graubünden). The 153 km long tunnel and shaft system will cost approx. 10 billion Swiss francs. The huge project is a challenge for engineers: sliding soft rocks, tunnel boring machine standing in water or enormous pressure forcing down steel girders. A great deal is, of course, required of technology. Actually, conditions can hardly be any harsher: extremely rough environment, much dust caused by blasting, moisture because of mountain water, high vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Sensors and controllers must be able to take a lot.
Image source: Alp Transit Gotthard AG
More information about the project:
»»» http://www.alptransit.ch/en/
Part 2 provides information about the construction of the new rail link from Arth Goldau to the Lugano area and the technology used.
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