Further expansion of the swiss rail infrastructure

12.11.08 - The joint venture between Ernst Basler + Partner, Zurich and Infras, Bern, supports the project management of the Federal Office of Transport at the consultation stage, forming the basis for a subsequent position paper on the Future Developments of the Rail Infrastructure (ZEB 2).

In the draft of the Swiss Law on Future Developments of the Rail Infrastructure (ZEB), the Swiss Bundesrat proposes the submission of a further bill (position paper “ZEB 2”) “as soon as possible” to the Federal Assembly. This should give information beyond the scope of the ZEB on the further development of the tender and the expansion of the rail infrastructure, as well as setting out the legal and financial prerequisites for implementation.

The position paper ZEB 2 should in particular show whether the ZEB tender should be amended to include additional options for expansion, such as the Zimmerberg Base Tunnel, the Wisenberg Tunnel and other projects named in Federal decisions to date, or whether new projects should be implemented and designated as urgent. Proposals for financing the measures will also be submitted with the position paper.

The planning joint venture between Ernst Basler + Partner, Zurich (with overall control) and Infras, Bern, will act as the central support office for the project management of the Federal Office of Transport at the consultation stage, forming the basis for a subsequent position paper ZEB 2. The mandate will include the public consultation accompanying this bill. The planning joint venture will provide support services for the project management as well as expert advice. The SBB will be involved in the process of drawing up the position paper.