Brennero Base Tunnel

Home Strategic Projects Brennero Base Tunnel

The Brenner Base Tunnel is the pivotal infrastructure project of the Scandinavian-Mediterranean TEN-T corridor, as it overcomes the natural barrier of the Alps and will reduce both the distance and journey time for rail transport between Innsbruck (Austria) and Fortezza (Italy). Passenger trains will be able to travel through the tunnel at speeds of up to 250 km/h. By eliminating the steep gradients, it will be possible for longer, heavier and more numerous freight trains to negotiate this section.

By reducing the steep gradients and thanks to the straighter alignment of the track – which is almost entirely free of bends – it will be possible to run longer and heavier trains. The new rail infrastructure will provide a viable alternative for freight transport and open up a whole new dimension of travel for passengers.

Advantages

Freight transport shifted to rail, thereby reducing traffic congestion to the benefit of the communities in the areas involved;
Ability for 740-metre-long freight trains to pass through without axle load restrictions, in accordance with the interoperability standards of the TEN-T Core Freight networks;
Increased rail capacity on the existing line between Fortezza and Brenner;
Adoption of all TEN-T standards, resulting in full interoperability between the countries concerned;
Protection against natural hazards;
Shorter journey times.

250 km/h maximum speed

64 total kilometres

8,8 mld € in investiment

Work progress

Below are the details of the work progress for the Brenner Base Tunnel.

Design
Since 2013
Permits
Since 2013
Tenders
Since 2013
Start of work
Since 2014
End of work
Since 2028

Lot h21 - Gola del Sill

Stages of progression: WORKS

Design end date: 2019
End date of the authorisation process: 2019
Date of tender publication: 2019
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2020
Work end date: 2024

Lot h41 - Gola del Sill - Pfons

Stages of progression: WORKS

Design end date: 2020
End date of the authorisation process: 2021
Date of tender publication: 2021
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2021
Work end date: 2028

Lot h33 - Tulfes-Pfons

Stages of progression: DELIVERED

Design end date: 2013
End date of the authorisation process: 2013
Date of tender publication: 2013
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2014
Work end date: 2021

Lot h52 - Hochstegen

Stages of progression: WORKS

Design end date: 2021
End date of the authorisation process: 2021
Date of tender publication: 2021
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2022
Work end date: 2023

Lot h53 - Pfons-Brennero

Stages of progression: TENDERS

Design end date: 2022
End date of the authorisation process: 2022
Date of tender publication: 2022
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2023
Work end date: 2028

Lot h61 - Mules

Stages of progression: WORKS

Design end date: 2015
End date of the authorisation process: 2015
Date of tender publication: 2015
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2016
Work end date: 2025

Lot h71 - Sottoattraversamento Isarco

Stages of progression: WORKS

Design end date: 2013
End date of the authorisation process: 2013
Date of tender publication: 2013
Start date of executive design and implementation: 2014
Work end date: 2023

Brennero base tunnel