Switzerland

Renovation of the Simplon Tunnel Since February 2025

SBB is renovating the Simplon Tunnel over the next four years. The first construction phase started at the beginning of February 2025 and involves renovating the entire length of the Simplon Tunnel's east tube. Parts of the vault will be repaired and the drainage will be optimised.

Since its construction at the beginning of the 20th century, the Simplon Tunnel has been an important railway link between Switzerland and Italy. At present, over 250 trains travel between Brig and Domodossola/Iselle every day. The tunnel has two separate tubes, each almost 20 kilometres long, which are regularly maintained.

SBB will be renovating the Simplon Tunnel over the next four years. The first construction phase started at the beginning of February 2025
Credit/Quelle: SBB/CFF/FFS

SBB will be renovating the Simplon Tunnel over the next four years. The first construction phase started at the beginning of February 2025
Credit/Quelle: SBB/CFF/FFS
The east tube of the Simplon Tunnel is somewhat older (1905) and must be renovated along its entire length by 2028. The costs are estimated at 55 million Swiss francs (around 59 million euros).

The work will take place over a period of six months each year from 2025 to 2028. It will be coordinated with the work in other Swiss tunnels to ensure a sufficient flow of passenger and goods trains through the Alps.

SBB will carry out the first construction phase between 3 February and 27 July 2025 without interrupting train services. Freight traffic will be affected by the construction work as the important four-metre corridor in the Simplon Tunnel is significantly restricted.

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