Brenner Base Tunnel's main galleries are now linked
On July 28, the two primary tubes of the Brenner Base Tunnel were joined by Austria and Italy, making the 55 km structure the world's longest underground railway link. With the addition of a subterranean bypass around Innsbruck, the total route length reaches 64 km. This massive project carries a price tag of €10.5 billion and is scheduled to open in 2032. It is a key part of the EU's Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor, designed to enhance cross-Alpine rail connectivity.
High speeds and key advantages of the new railway
Passenger trains on this route will reach up to 250 km/h, while freight trains can travel at 160 km/h. Travel time between Innsbruck and Fortezza will drop dramatically from 80 to just 25 minutes. The final layer of rock between the two construction sites was removed in only one hour, with excavators equipped with hydraulic hammers clearing the remaining rock from the east and west tunnels.
Martin Gradnitzer and Umberto Lebruto stated: 'With the joining of the two main galleries, our project has reached another important milestone. In the future, freight and passenger trains will run here connecting Austria and Italy. This success perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when working together across borders for a common goal. The project has many names, but above all, it carries the imprint of the people who built it day after day.'
Completion of the Brenner Base Tunnel promises a significant modernization of railway connections in the Alps and improvement of transport infrastructure between the two countries. The project supports carbon emission reduction initiatives by shifting freight from road to rail. Once operational, it is expected to significantly increase transport volumes, positively impacting economic ties between the two nations.
The Brenner Base Tunnel represents a major step in European rail infrastructure development, reducing travel times and boosting freight efficiency between central Europe and Italy.
The completion of the Brenner Base Tunnel marks a pivotal advancement in European rail infrastructure, but it’s not the only significant transport development on the horizon. As travel dynamics evolve, the upcoming closure of Charleroi Airport in 2028 is expected to disrupt over two million travelers, prompting many to seek alternative routes and modes of transport. This situation underscores the importance of modernizing transport networks to accommodate growing demand and ensure seamless connectivity across Europe.