In order to adapt the access routes to the NRLA base tunnels can likewise match the increasing demand, Switzerland is investing a further CHF 1.7 billion (current costs including interest and VAT), essentially on new signalling that will allow trains to run in quicker succession.
Switzerland has agreed on international treaties with Germany (1996) and Italy (1999) for upgrades to access routes in neighbouring countries. It was decided that the German Rhine valley route and the various Italian access routes should be upgraded for the NRLA “to keep pace with demand”. This work is in progress and is reviewed regularly by bilateral committees.
In addition, a number of obstacles are being overcome at home and in northern Italy enabling taller and longer trains to operate. Whilst the base tunnels and the Lötschberg base line are already designed for loading semitrailers with a 4m corner height, this was not possible on the access routes for the Gotthard axis. In 2014 the government therefore commissioned the modification of various tunnels, platform roofs and overhead lines. As a result, through traffic of containers and semi-trailers with a corner height of 4 m has been possible on the Swiss north-south axis since 2020. This is important, as combined transport with a 4m corner height is a rapidly growing segment. Switzerland is also financing corresponding profile modifications on the Italian Luino line so that important 4m transport loading terminals can be completed on time.
