SBB will limit the use of LL brake block wagons following a derailment in the Gotthard Tunnel caused by a cracked wheel, an investigation confirmed. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SBB will limit the use of LL brake block wagons following a derailment in the Gotthard Tunnel caused by a cracked wheel, an investigation confirmed
Photo: International Union of Railways

Swiss Federal Railways announced plans to remove most freight wagons with LL composite brake blocks from service by the end of 2025. This decision responds to growing safety concerns after a major derailment in August 2023.

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The incident in the Gotthard Base Tunnel led to a 13-month service suspension. Experts found that the derailment was triggered by a fractured wheel. Investigators later revealed that similar cracks frequently appear on wheels fitted with LL brake blocks.

SBB urges regulators to act immediately

According to the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board, LL brake blocks increase thermal stress on wheels. This raises the risk of microcracks, which cannot be detected without thorough depot inspections.

SBB agrees with the board’s findings and calls for swift regulatory action. The operator demands that the European Union Agency for Railways and Swiss transport authorities revise maintenance rules and update technical standards for wagons equipped with LL blocks.

SBB prepared to impose national ban

If no new regulations are adopted, SBB may implement a unilateral ban on such wagons. The company emphasizes that ensuring transport safety remains its top priority.

SBB has already initiated discussions with other European stakeholders. If no coordinated solution is reached, Switzerland will move forward with national restrictions on LL brake blocks.

Although LL brake blocks are used across Europe to reduce noise, their phase-out could affect logistics. Still, SBB insists that safety must come first.

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