Passengers evacuated in Gotthard Tunnel

New tunnel boring machine at Gotthard Tunnel

A train breakdown in the Gotthard Base Tunnel meant passengers had to be led to safety through an emergency link between the two bores.

The train broke down at around 4pm on Friday. Passengers were stuck on board for two hours before being evacuated. 

The faulty train was towed out. No reason is being given yet for the breakdown. 

Meanwhile, work on the second bore of the Gotthard Road Tunnel has taken an important new turn as two massive tunnelling machines have started their journey. Weighing 2,000 tonnes each, they’ll move at 17 meters a day though the mountain. 

Voters agreed to the new tunnel in 2016. It should open in 2030. That will allow the renovation to start on the existing tunnel.

 

 

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