Swiss rail is closing parts of its network from 30 June 2018 until 26 August 2018. Engineering work across more than 30 sites means some sections of track will be closed.
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Work can be done at night, allowing trains to run during the day, however, work is much faster if it is done around the clock. Speaking to RTS, the head of rail infrastructure said that the work near Puidoux would take 8.5 months if done only at night, but only 7 weeks if done around the clock. Swiss Rail says the costs can be reduced by 30% too.
The biggest project is on the stretch of track between Lausanne and Puidoux. While this is closed, the best way to get between Lausanne and Bern will be via Neuchâtel or Bienne, adding around 25 minutes to the journey. This work runs from 7 July until 26 August.
Swiss Rail says the route will be completely blocked from 7 July to 26 August, during which time rail replacement buses will be operating. For long-distance connections, you can travel via Neuchâtel or Biel/Bienne. On average you should expect your journey to take about 25 minutes longer, although the additional travel time can vary considerably depending on the connection.
People commuting from Lausanne to Bern will need to leave half an hour earlier. During the work, the price of a ticket via Neuchâtel or Bienne will be the same as one via Fribourg.
Another way to get to Bern from Lausanne by train, is to travel to Vevey, change, take the Train des Vignes to Puidoux and change. This adds at least 30 minutes to the trip.
Other big construction projects include a track upgrade on the 4.3 kilometre stretch from Gelterkinden to Tecknau, and the 6 kilometre stretch from St. Gallen Winkeln–St. Gallen.
Swiss Rail says the Gelterkinden to Tecknau route will be reduced to single-track operation from 30 June to 13 August. Individual S-Bahn trains will be cancelled between Olten and Basel SBB as well as between Brugg and Wettingen. The long-distance trains between Basel SBB and Olten will either depart earlier or be rerouted or cancelled.
Swiss Rail says that from 7 July to 13 August, only one of the two tracks will remain in operation on the St. Gallen Winkeln–St. Gallen route. The S11 and S55 services and individual long-distance trains will be cancelled for certain route sections due to the construction work.
More on this:
Swiss Rail communiqué (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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