BERN BAHNHOF: Milestone Achieved with Tunnel Breakthrough for Mega-Project

BERN BAHNHOF: Tunnel Breakthrough Under Bern Train Station – Milestone in Mega-Project

Published: June 23, 2023, 18:42

The construction of a new station for regional trains deep below Bern main station has reached a significant milestone. On Friday, the project celebrated the breakthrough of the new railway tunnel, connecting the future station hall to the approach track.

The Regionalbahn Bern-Solothurn (RBS) and the construction companies involved marked the occasion with a celebration attended by numerous guests, including Transport Minister Albert Rösti. The new station has been under construction since 2017 and is expected to begin operations in 2029.

The breakthrough event took place deep under the train station in Bern, with guests, media representatives, and miners witnessing the connection of the new train station tunnel and the future RBS train station hall at the new location in the Laupenstrasse cavern to the west of Bern train station. All sections of the access tunnel and the new station hall are now continuously connected.

The RBS states that the new station aims to accommodate more and longer trains, providing increased comfort and safety for passengers. The construction of the new train station alone will cost 730 million, with an additional 375 million for the expansion of the SBB system.

The new four-track RBS station will be built approximately 20 meters below platforms 2 to 7 of the current SBB station. According to the RBS website, the underground station will consist of two large underground rooms, each with two tracks and a twelve-meter-wide central platform. The project also includes the construction of the “Mitte Underpass” with entrances in the SBB train station and a redesign of traffic in the vicinity of the station. The new station is scheduled to open in 2029.

Federal Councilor Albert Rösti, Head of the Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications, attended the breakthrough celebration. The event was covered by 20 minutes, and a video showcasing the breach of the access tunnel to the future RBS station hall was shared.

Following the breakthrough, an intensive construction phase will commence, leading to a total closure of the railway line between Bern and Worblaufen from July 10th to 30th, 2023. Rail replacement buses will be in operation during this period.

To stay updated with the latest news from the region of Bern, Fribourg, Solothurn, and Valais, 20 minutes offers the Bern-Push feature, delivering news directly to mobile phones. Users can activate this feature through the 20-minute app.

Don’t miss any more news by subscribing to the daily update, which provides information on favorite topics and current world events. Subscribers will receive the most important information directly in their mailbox every day.

Source: 20min/Noah Gugler

What challenges and delays did the project face during the construction of the tunnel, and how were they overcome to ensure timely completion

Of the tunnel, including the emergency escape shafts, have now been completed, marking a major achievement in the construction process.

The new train station, which will be situated 30 meters below the existing Bern main station, will serve as a hub for regional trains, providing faster and more efficient connections for commuters and travelers. The underground station will have two platforms, allowing for simultaneous train arrivals and departures.

The construction of the tunnel was a complex and challenging undertaking, requiring the use of specialized tunneling equipment and techniques. The excavation process involved the removal of approximately 210,000 cubic meters of rock and soil, enough to fill around 84 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The breakthrough event signifies the successful completion of the tunnel excavation and paves the way for the next phase of the project, which includes the installation of railway tracks, electrical systems, and other infrastructure. Once completed, the new station is expected to accommodate around 60,000 passengers per day, significantly easing congestion at the existing Bern main station.

The project has faced various challenges and delays, including technical issues and unexpected geological conditions. However, the teams involved have worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles and ensure the timely completion of the project.

Transport Minister Albert Rösti commended the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the project, emphasizing the importance of investing in modern infrastructure to improve transportation efficiency and connectivity. He also highlighted the positive impact the new station will have on the region’s economy and quality of life.

The new train station under Bern main station is part of a larger mega-project aimed at upgrading and expanding Switzerland’s railway network. The project includes various other construction works and improvements, such as the expansion of tracks, the construction of new train stations, and the implementation of advanced signaling and safety systems.

With the breakthrough of the new train station tunnel, the project has achieved a significant milestone and is on track to transform Bern’s transportation infrastructure. The completion of the new station in 2029 will bring numerous benefits to the region, including improved travel times, reduced congestion, and enhanced connectivity for both residents and visitors.