Ceneri Base Tunnel

The Ceneri Base Tunnel consists of two single-track tubes around 40 metres apart, which are linked to each other every 325 metres by cross-passages.

Project

With the 15.4-kilometres-long base tunnel under the Ceneri will the continuous flat route from Altdorf to Lugano become reality. Excavation process using the drill and blast method, safety measures, moisture-proofing, drainage system, final lining, interior fittings, cables layout and raw construction infrastructures.

Technical data

• Two railway tunnels, single tube lenght about 15 km (global length about 32 km)
• Finestra di Sigirino (FIS):  tunnel excavated with TBM Ø 9.70 m for a length of 2'318 m
• Operational cavern (CAOP): construction of various caverns with the drill and blast method, volume about 130'000 m3
• Trench excavation north portal
• Excavations carried out through weak rocks north portal (jet grouting and steel pipe umbrella) under the A2 motorway
• Opposed tunnel excavation with drill and blast method north portal
• Trench excavation south portal
• Execution artificial tunnel south portal
• Opposed tunnel excavation with drill and blast method south portal (above the Vedeggio-Cassarate tunnel)

Costs

About CHF 1.6 Mld.

Timeline

2006–2020

Clients

AlpTransit Gotthard AG, Bellinzona (CH)

Services

• Preliminary design
• Detailed design
• Tender design
• Final construction design
• Construction site supervision
• General  project  management, support to the construction site supervision