Federal Administrative Court Appeal against award for track expansion in Ticino dismissed
The Federal Administrative Court has rejected an appeal against the award of the main works for a track extension between Contone TI and the River Ticino. This means that work on the complete second track between Contone and Locarno can begin in the fall.
21.08.2024, 12:10
SDA
The construction of a second track between Contone near Cadenazzo and the River Ticino is important for the expansion of traffic to and from Locarno, SBB wrote in a press release on Wednesday.
The project includes the construction of a second track over a length of around 1,380 metres, the modernization of the railroad infrastructure and the installation of new points between Contone and the bridge over the River Ticino.
The appeal, which was rejected by the Federal Administrative Court, was submitted by the second-placed consortium, the press release continues. It had led to construction being halted.
In its ruling on June 12, the court dismissed the appeal against the award of the main works and confirmed SBB's decision to award the contract to the first-placed consortium.
Aiming for quarter-hourly intervals
Together with the doubling of the track between Contone and Locarno, the new crossing track in Minusio and the complete third track between Bellinzona and Giubiasco, the expansion will enable an extension of the service on the route from Bellinzona to Locarno, SBB writes further. A quarter-hourly service should one day be possible between the two cities.
SBB estimates the investment, which also includes the construction of a new road underpass in Contone, at around CHF 75 million. The expansion will be financed by the federal railroad infrastructure development program. Commissioning of the second track is scheduled for the end of 2026.
