On 20 July, SBB began repair work on the section of the Simplon Tunnel damaged by fire on 9 June 2011. The work is proceeding as planned and the damaged roof has been cleaned. The cleanup is continuing with a layer of concrete being added to the roof and the sidewalls being repaired. SBB estimates the total cost at 12 million Swiss francs.

Having cleared out the rubble and examined the tunnel structure, SBB started repairs to the roof on 20 July. Jean Chappuis, Head of SBB’s Simplon Task Force, told press gathered in the tunnel: “The work is proceeding well and on schedule”. Almost 25 people, divided into two teams, have been working 10 hours a day for the last two months. Outside the tunnel, between 20 and 25 people are also hard at work.

The cause of the fire, which broke out on a freight train operated by Swiss company BLS on 9 June 2011, is currently the subject of an investigation by the Swiss public transport accident investigation body (SEA).

(Source: SBB press)