SBB sets 2037 timetable for Zürich – Winterthur expansion

The Zürich – Winterthur expansion now has a defined timetable. As reported by Rail Journal, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has set out the programme. It is valued at SFr 3.3bn ($US 4.18bn). It runs through to 2037.

Brüttener Tunnel at the centre of the Zürich – Winterthur expansion

Preliminary work is already under way on the 9km Brüttener Tunnel. It is the core element of the plan. The plan will widen the Zürich – Winterthur main line to four tracks. The line is in northeastern Switzerland. SBB says the upgraded route will link Bassersdorf and Dietlikon in the south. Its northern portal will be at Tössmühle near Winterthur.

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Meanwhile, the existing line via Effretikon is already operating at full capacity. According to SBB, the project will raise capacity by 30%. Also, it will support faster long-distance services. At the same time, it will allow more frequent regional trains. In addition, it is intended to improve reliability.

Planning permission for the overall scheme was granted in January. SBB has now finalised the construction schedule for the different parts of the programme. For example, the Brüttener Tunnel is designed for 160km/h operation. It will have two single bores and 20 cross-passages. In addition, excavation will be carried out by tunnel boring machines. Main construction is due to start in 2029. Commissioning is planned for 2037.

Station expansion works from Wallisellen to Bassersdorf

The Wallisellen station expansion will include wider platforms, improved access points and upgraded underpasses. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028. Opening is planned for the end of 2032. Separately, a new 580m-long single-track bridge will be built west of the station. Work there starts in 2026. Completion is planned in 2031.

Dietlikon station expansion will add a fourth track. It will also add new platform access points. In addition, it will include a new pedestrian bridge with lifts. It will also include a new station building. Construction is due to begin in 2027. Opening is planned for summer 2032. Meanwhile, the Bahnhofstrasse underpass will be rebuilt at a lower level beneath Dietlikon Tunnel. Work there starts in 2028. Completion is planned for 2031.

Also, Bassersdorf station expansion will bring new underpasses and step-free access to the platforms. Construction there is due to start in 2027. Commissioning is planned for summer 2030.

Winterthur Töss works and the wider SBB 2035 strategy

At Winterthur Töss station, SBB will add a new underpass and step-free access. Work is set to begin in 2027. Commissioning is expected by the end of 2028.

In the Neumühle area, an 800m-long single-track bridge over existing tracks is also planned. Construction there starts in 2027. Commissioning is scheduled for 2034.

Still, SBB says several other infrastructure improvements will also be carried out between Zurich and Winterthur. Preparatory work is already under way across the full project area. An official groundbreaking ceremony is due this summer in the canton of Zürich.

Also, it is the single largest project in SBB’s current 2035 strategy. That strategy is intended to raise network capacity. It is intended to accommodate forecast passenger and freight traffic growth by 2050.

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