NEW RAILWAY UNDER THE ALPS GOTTHARD BASE TUNNEL OPEN

In the first of a two-part feature, KEITH FENDER describes the planning and construction of the world’s longest and deepest tunnel

The 57km-long Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) under the Swiss Alps opened fully to both freight and passenger traffic on 11 December 2016. This was almost exactly 62 months after construction of the first raw tube of the tunnel had been finished when tunnellers met on 15 October 2010 south of Sedrun.

Want to read more?

This is a premium article and requires an active subscription.

Existing subscriber? Sign in now

I have a subscription but need to register on site…

You will need your print Customer ID ready to set up an account, you'll find this on your welcome email and cover sheet delivered with each print magazine.

Register now

No subscription?

Pick one of our introductory offers