Rock-fall shuts Gotthard rail route

摘要

Rock-Fall on June 5-blocking both tracks south of Erstfeld-closed the Gotthard trans-Alpine route in Switzerland for four weeks until July 2. Work to secure the rock face near the track took several weeks. Extensive diversions were required for the 120-plus freight trains that normally use the Gotthard route, plus Milan to Zurich EuroCity services. The situation wasn't helped by partial closure of the alternative Simplon Tunnel, repairing fire damage from a year ago, and planned maintenance work (plus a freight train derailment) on the alternative Austrian Brenner trans-Alpine route.