SBB Launches Multi-Billion Franc Project to Dramatically Reduce Zurich-Winterthur Train Travel Time
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has begun construction on a major expansion project aimed at significantly reducing travel time between Zurich and Winterthur. The project, costing approximately 3.3 billion Swiss francs, will involve new tracks, a new tunnel and upgrades to several stations.
Project Details: A New Tunnel and Expanded Rail Network
The “MehrSpur Zürich-Winterthur” project will expand the rail line between Zurich and Winterthur to four tracks, eliminating a major bottleneck on one of Switzerland’s busiest routes. The centerpiece of the project is the Brüttener Tunnel, a nine-kilometer-long tunnel with two tracks, designed to allow trains to travel at 160 kilometers per hour. The tunnel is expected to reduce travel time to as little as 12 minutes.
Key Components of the Expansion
- Brüttener Tunnel: Approximately 9 kilometers long, featuring two tracks allowing for speeds of 160 km/h and a tunnel travel time of around 3 minutes. Source
- Station Upgrades: Expansion of Wallisellen, Dietlikon, Bassersdorf, and Winterthur-Töss stations, including wider platforms, improved accessibility, and new facilities. Source
- New Tracks: Widening the line to four tracks throughout the Zurich-Winterthur corridor. Source
Project Timeline
Construction began in 2026 and is expected to continue until 2037. Key milestones include:
- 2026: Preparation of installation sites.
- 2027: Construction of installations for tunnel construction and station expansions.
- 2029: Construction of a loading station and tunnel boring machines at the Dietlikon tunnel portal.
- 2029-2031: Tunnel drilling from Dietlikon to Winterthur.
- 2032: Drilling from Bassersdorf to the Mülberg junction.
- 2032-2035: Interior construction of the tunnel.
- 2035-2036: Installation of tracks, overhead lines, and signaling systems.
- 2037: Test operation and commencement of regular train service.
Impact on Train Service and Residents
SBB plans to minimize disruptions to rail service during construction. Though, timetable changes for some S-Bahn lines are expected starting in December 2026. Residents in Dietlikon, Bassersdorf, Wallisellen, and Winterthur should anticipate construction noise, dust, and other emissions, particularly during nighttime work. Source
Benefits of the Expansion
The project aims to increase capacity and reliability on the Zurich-Winterthur line, allowing for more frequent express and S-Bahn train service – with a goal of quarter-hourly intervals. The improvements will too positively impact regional transport. Source
Tickets for travel between Zurich and Winterthur are currently available through SBB and other providers like Omio and Trainline. SBB, Omio, Trainline
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