The two single-track tunnels are linked by cross passages about every 325 meters so that each tunnel can serve as an escape route for the other. Two multi-function stations at Sedrun and Faido will house ventilation equipment and technical infrastructure and will serve as emergency stops and evacuation routes.
A new ‘longest tunnel in the world’ opened today : the Gotthard Base Tunnel, after 17 years of construction, and running 57 km (35 miles) long under the Swiss Alps. It is 8,000 feet, or one-and-a-half vertical miles deep in the earth in some places. The tunnel reduces travel time from Zurich to Milan from 3.5 hours to 2.5 hours. All the more reason for me to go visit Switzerland (I have never been there), and experience the 20 minute tunnel ride! Check out these great pictures from the International Business Times website.
A TV cameraman takes pictures of an emergency vent at a multifunction and emergency stop station of the NEAT Gotthard Base Tunnel during a media visit, near the town of SedruArnd Wiegmann/ Reuters
The Gotthard Base Tunnel is one of several running under the Alpine mountains, but was by far the most ambitious project.
‘longest tunnel in the world’ opened today : the Gotthard Base Tunnel, after 17 years of construction, and running 57 km (35 miles) long under the Swiss Alps. It is 8,000 feet, or one-and-a-half vertical miles deep in the earth in some places. The tunnel reduces travel time from Zurich to Milan from 3.5 hours to 2.5 hours. All the more reason for me to go visit Switzerland (I have never been there), and experience the 20 minute tunnel ride! Check out these great pictures from the International Business Times website.
