Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has applied for a building permit to expand the railway line between Grellingen and Duggingen to double tracks.
This project is part of the federal government’s 2035 rail expansion plans, and will enable half-hourly services to run between Biel and Basel on the line.
The project, set to cost 133 million CFH (126.84m euros | 143.58m USD), includes the creation a four-kilometre double-track section in the Laufental area where trains can cross.
It will include widening sections of the route, which will require the removal of 10,500 cubic meters of rock. Sections of the existing track will also need to be removed and replaced, nine support buildings will need to be built and changes will also need to be made to several level crossings.
The project is currently under public review, as construction will affect local residents and travellers. It will entail overnight work and changes to the timetable, including weekend closures between Laufen and Aesch over a five-month period.
The SBB aims to begin construction work in spring 2023, with completion planned for late 2025. Whether these targets can be met depends on any responses made during the approval process.
