The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has announced a comprehensive four-year renovation project for the eastern tube of the Simplon Tunnel, starting February 2025. This extensive overhaul will address structural issues, including vault repairs and drainage optimization, and will be conducted annually over six-month periods from 2025 to 2028. The renovations are part of a coordinated effort to minimize disruptions to passenger and freight traffic across Switzerland’s critical alpine routes.
The initial phase of the project will run from February 3 to July 27, 2025, while the tunnel remains operational. Key service adjustments during this phase include:
- BLS Car Transport Service: Trains between Brig and Iselle will operate every two hours, instead of the usual 1.5-hour intervals.
- RegioExpress Trains: Most RegioExpress services between Brig and Domodossola will continue their usual two-hour schedule. Passengers are advised to consult online timetables for specific train information.
- Freight Traffic: The renovation will severely restrict the four-meter freight corridor through the Simplon Tunnel, potentially impacting transalpine logistics.
SBB assures that these adjustments are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient completion of the renovation while minimizing the impact on rail operations.
Infrastructure investments in Italy
Simultaneously, significant railway infrastructure improvements are underway in Italy, particularly along the Domodossola-Milan corridor. These include:
- Four-Meter Corridor Expansion: Enhancements to accommodate transalpine freight traffic.
- Line Maintenance: Periodic maintenance work will coincide with construction, requiring service reductions along the Simplon axis for several years.
Adjustments to EC train services
Cross-border services between Switzerland and Italy will also face changes:
- Weekday Services: Only three EuroCity (EC) trains will operate in each direction between Basel–Bern–Milano and Geneva–Brig–Milano, down from four. One EC train per direction from/to Basel will terminate at Domodossola, and one from/to Geneva will terminate at Brig.
- Weekend Services: Four EC trains will continue to operate in each direction.
- InterCity (IR) Trains: Select IR services between Brig and Domodossola will be canceled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during specified hours until January 31, 2025.
Complete closure of Domodossola-Milan route
Between June 8 and July 27, 2025, and again from August 31 to September 12, 2025, the route between Domodossola and Milan will be entirely closed to train traffic.
During these periods, all EC services between Domodossola and Milan will be canceled. A replacement bus service is being planned to mitigate the impact on travelers.
Coordination for inimal disruption
The SBB and its Italian counterparts are coordinating closely to manage the overlapping construction and maintenance efforts. These renovations aim to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the Simplon Tunnel and its connecting railways, ensuring long-term benefits for passengers and freight operators alike.
Travelers are encouraged to stay updated on schedule changes and plan their journeys accordingly during the renovation period.
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