Swiss Railways Upgrades Signal Box Ahead of Ceneri Base Tunnel Launch

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) will carry out a major upgrade to the Giubiasco signal box on May 26–27, 2018. The work will introduce the ETCS Level 2 train control system, a key step before the Ceneri Base Tunnel opens in December 2020. Travellers should expect cancellations and delays during the two-day project.

The upgrade will take place under an operating license from the Federal Office of Transport (FOT). Around 100 employees will be involved in the transition, which covers the area from the Dragonato Tunnel to Vigana and Sant'Antonino.

Long-distance and regional trains will be cancelled between Bellinzona and Lugano, with replacement buses running instead. SBB has warned passengers to plan extra travel time, as the north-south axis and Ticino routes face major disruptions.

After the upgrade, adjustments to the track layout in Giubiasco will prepare the approach routes for the Ceneri Base Tunnel. The new ETCS Level 2 system will allow wireless data transmission to train drivers, increasing capacity through base tunnels from 2020. No changes to the Gotthard Base Tunnel timetable have been reported following the switch.

The upgrade marks a necessary phase before the Ceneri Base Tunnel's December 2020 launch. While the work will disrupt services over two days, it will enable future improvements in train frequency and efficiency. Passengers are advised to check SBB updates before travelling during the affected period.