SWITZERLAND: Work has begun to double the last single-track section of the Neuchâtel – Biel/Bienne line, following approval for construction of the 2 130 m long Ligerz tunnel which will replace the existing alignment on the shore of Lake Biel.
Work to double the 10 km of single track between Schafis and Twann was launched on October 18. Commissioning of the tunnel is scheduled for December 2026, with the existing lakeside alignment then to be dismantled.
The rail tunnel will share a safety gallery with an existing road tunnel.
The project is costed at SFr431·9m, including modernisation of Twann station, and is being financed from the FABI rail infrastructure fund.
The-double tracking will provide a small journey time saving of 25 sec between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne, but will also enable the operation of regional trains at half-hourly headways without impacting on freight traffic.
