BAV Approves Expansion of the NEAT Access Route in the Basel Area

The Federal Office of Transport (BAV) has approved the four-lane expansion of the railway line from the northern Rhine bank in Basel via the Badischer Bahnhof to the national border. This allows for the realization of another important project for the improvement of the NEAT access routes.

(Bern) – Germany committed itself in a state treaty in 1996 to expand the railway line between Karlsruhe and Basel to four tracks. This creates the necessary capacities for access to the tunnels of the New Railway Alpine Transversals (NEAT). This strengthens alpine protection and the shift policy – and enables more attractive connections for travelers.

Expansion Delayed

The expansion to four tracks is overall delayed. However, various sections between Karlsruhe and Basel have now been expanded. And now the building permit for the southernmost section is also available: the 3.1-kilometer stretch that leads from the northern Rhine bank in Basel via the Badischer Bahnhof to the national border. This section is owned by the Federal Railway Assets of Germany but lies on Swiss territory. Accordingly, the BAV is responsible for the building permit (“planning approval”). It granted this on October 30, 2020. The plans include the continuous expansion from two to four tracks as well as various other measures for capacity enhancement and modernization. Germany will largely cover the costs of around 260 million francs. The EU contributes to financing with grants, and Deutsche Bahn (DB) with its own funds.

Numerous Objections and Lawsuits from Residents and Associations

There were 36 objections against the project. DB had to adjust the project in various respects to adequately protect residents and the environment from negative impacts. Approximately ten replacement areas will be created to compensate for the intervention in the dry meadow site at the former Badischer marshalling yard. According to a methodology recognized by the federal government, this will ensure that the intervention in the biotope can be fully compensated.

Safety and Noise Protection Concerns from Residents and Interest Groups

In terms of protection against potential hazardous material accidents, DB will go further than originally planned. Derailment devices, various fire protection measures, and speed reductions will ensure the safety of residents and the environment in light of the expected traffic growth with the full operation of the NEAT. Noise barriers and soundproof windows will also protect residents from railway noise.

The commissioning of the four-lane section in the Basel area is scheduled for 2027. According to DB, it is expected to take until 2040 for the entire line between Karlsruhe and Basel to be expanded. However, Germany will ensure that more freight trains can operate on the line in the medium term with various transitional measures, thus meeting the demand for transport options.

This was agreed upon by Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga with her counterpart in a ministerial declaration between Switzerland and Germany in May 2019. The measures include smaller expansions of the infrastructure (e.g., Offenburg junction) as well as improvements in the timetable and handling of freight traffic. Additionally, the Stuttgart-Zurich line will be expanded so that freight trains with large-profile containers, containers, and semi-trailers can also operate there in case of disruptions on the Rhine Valley line.

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Image: © BAV