By Ashley Karen
Operations have started to double the last single-track section of the Neuchâtel – Biel/Bienne line, following the confirmation for building the 2 130 m long Ligerz tunnel which is going to be replaced with the current alignment on the shore of Lake Biel.
Operations to double the 10 km of single track between Schafis and Twann were launched on October 18. Commissioning of the tunnel is planned for December 2026, with the current lakeside alignment then to be disassembled.
The rail tunnel is going to share a safety gallery with the current road tunnel.
The costs of the project are measured to be SFr431·9m, comprising modernization of Twann station, and is being funded from the FABI rail infrastructure.
The double-tracking is going to supply a short journey time with saving 25 sec between Neuchâtel and Biel/Bienne, but will also allow the operation of regional trains at half-hourly headways without affecting the freight traffic.
