The tunnel is under construction through the Jura mountains between Schinznach Dorf and Effingen. Following an old railway tradition, the “golden sleeper” was ceremonially cemented into position in the double-track tunnel, which has been under construction since 2016. 

Work on the tunnel is scheduled for completion at the end of June and will be followed by tests and trial operations, including rescue services. The new tunnel will replace the existing double-track tunnel, which will be maintained as an access and emergency tunnel, with five emergency exits between the two.

“The new Bözberg tunnel is an important milestone for transporting freight in an efficient and environmentally friendly way in Europe,” says Ms Anna Barbara Remund, vice-director of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport.

Mr Jacques Boschung, head of SBB Infrastructure, explained that the tunnel is an important element of the 4m corridor. However, there are still other, more minor projects which are also scheduled for completion by the end of this year. “The last major one is the Paradiso tunnel, where work is being done in shifts to ensure that it is ready in time,” he says.