Gotthard Base Tunnel

The Gotthard Base Tunnel

The Economic, Environmental, and Social Impact.

The Blues.

Prof. Theocharis Papadopoulos

Dr. Chidinma Chiejina

Switzerland

Nordportal SSB - SSB Airolo

Content

Introduction

Project Overview

Impact on the Project

Impact of the Project

Conclusion

References

Introduction

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is one of the most audacious projects in the world, being the longest and deepest rail tunnel.

It spans over 57 km through the Alps between Erstfeld and Bodio in Switzerland.

The project took 17 years to be completed (1999-2016), removing about 2.1 million tons of rocks.

It costs the Swiss government 12.5 billion dollars and,

It is built as an alternative to the 100 years old transalpine rail route which is already overwhelmed.

Project Overview

Switzerland; at the foot of St. Gotthard mountain(Erstfeld to Bodio)

Location

To serve as a major rail line for frieght and passenger transport across the country

Project Purpose

SBB Infrastructure (The Swiss Federal Railway)

Owner

Must last for 100 yrs & completed within budget and time.

Project Specifications/ Requirements

Length - 57.09km; Height - 5.20m

Project Dimensions

USD 12.5 billion

Project Cost

Operators

SBB CFF FFS

THE IMPACT ON THE PROJECT

Environmental

Social

Economic

The geographical location of Switzerland

Environment

The Alps presented itself as the shortest and most effect route.

The following are the environmental/ physical impact on the project...

Heterogeneity of the Alps; the need to cut through 73 different kinds of rocks.

Different climatic conditions at different ends of the tunnel.

Constructing a tunnel ischaracterized by darkness, high temperature (46'c) & low level of oxygen.

Constant threat of groundwater and sand flooding certain points in the tunnel.

Excavated rocks were processed and reused as concrete in the tunnel.

Switzerland operates a 'Direct Democracy', where Swiss voters go to polls to either block or approve a projects.

Social

The following are the societal impact on the project...

The train spans from the German-speaking Erstfeld to the Italian-speaking Bodio.

It is the shortest route from Germany to Italy; this ultimately boosts the EU railway network.

Switzerland is not part of the EU, hence, did not get the initial support during the early stages of the project.

The Swiss tradition of zero tolerance for cost over-runs.

The need to transport more, bigger & heavier goods through Switzerland to other European countries.

Economy

The following are the economic impact on the project...

The prospect of potential increase in IGR from toll.

Desire to reduce time wasted as a result of constant gridlocks.

Improving tourism and increase desire for people to visit Switzerland.

Financial capacity of Switzerland.

THE IMPACTOF THE PROJECT

Environment

Society

Economy

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Environment

Reduction of traffic jam on roads as well as travel time.

The following are the environmental/ physical impact of the project...

Noise pollution during construction.

Overcrowding at the terminals during peak hours (140% capacity).

Record breaking endeavor- Pride for the Swiss citizens.

Social

Promotes the unity of European nations.

The following are the societal impact of the project...

Promotes the influence of Switzerland in Europe.

The opening ceremony attracted 5 European presidents and was an avenue for some political conversations.

Happy citizens.

Job creation.

Economy

Increase in IGR (from tolls, export duties & train fares.

The following are the economic impact of the project...

Easier & faster movement of goods through Switzerland to major parts of Europe (260 frieght trains).

Tourism boost; more revenue.

Cost of living increased at the five towns where the terminals are located.

Conclusion

The project was a success as it didn't go over budget nor was the original timeline set for it broken. However, certain issues such as overcrowding seen during the early years of its opening was quickly resolved by increasing the frequency and capacity of passenger trains.

References

Ehrbar H. and Jakob K. (2003). "Risk management during construction of the Gotthard base tunnel." Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Geotechnical Measurements and Modelling, Karlsruhe, Germany.

Yokota, Y., Zhao, Z., Nie, W., Date, K., Iwano, K., Koizumi, Y. and Okada, Y. (2020). Development of a new deformation-controlled rock bolt: Numerical modelling and laboratory verification. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 98, p.103305.

https://www.ebp.ch/en/projects/assessing-impact-new-gotthard-base-tunnel

New ways through the Alps- https://ideas.repec.org/p/wiw/wiwrsa/ersa05p7.html

Video

A short YouTube documentary on theGotthard Base Tunnel...

The team

They study hard and play hard sometimes...

Adedayo

Olamide

Olakunle

Ayankoya

Adedoyin

Veronica

Oluwaseyi

Oluwatobi

oluwatobiloba

Ayodele

Akinyemi

Dawodu

Thank you