The Gotthard Base Tunnel (a railway tunnel), or the second tube called, with its 57 km it will be the longest tunnel in the world. The distance from Germany to Italy, through Switzerland, has thus become 40 km shorter. The entrance to the north is at Erstfeld, in the south near Bodio.
Responsible for the entire project is AlpTransit Gotthard AG. Kummler + Matter was responsible for the successful planning and realization of the catenary technology: In cooperation with the Argon partner BBR, Kummler + Matter implemented the complete traction current system on a total of 114 km in the two separate single-track pipes as well as on 40 km of open access routes. ZECK wire-laying units were used.
On June 1, 2016 the tunnel was opened.
Gotthardtunnel/ CH - Kummler & Matter
| Max. tensioning force: | 2x 17 kN |
| No. of bull wheel sets: | 2 (Ø 1500 mm) |
| Max. speed: | 5 km/h |
| No. of drum stands: | 6 (max. Ø 2000 mm) |
| Dimension: | 18.3 x 2.8 x 2.7 m |
| Wire guidance: | positioner PFD 99 |