Client: Rhätische Bahn (RhB)
Project: Vereina: Adapting overhead contact line to new rolling stock
Partner: –
Year of completion: 2025
Rigid overhead conductor rail in the Vereina Tunnel and at RhB loading stations
The RhB has been operating car transport services in the 19-kilometre-long Vereina Tunnel since 1999. Due to the increased use of open transporter wagons (without protective roofs), the requirements for personal safety were redefined as part of a new operating concept. The key requirement was to ensure that there would be no risk of injury in the event of a torn overhead contact line. This involved replacing the entire existing catenary system in the tunnel and at the loading stations with a rigid overhead conductor rail system.
Between November 2023 and November 2025, we completely dismantled the existing system and delivered and installed the new rigid overhead conductor rail system. All work was carried out during nightly closures, with the overhead contact line being put back into operation the following morning. The winter timetable limited the effective working time to around three hours per night, which meant that all stages of the process had to be carried out within this tight window.
A total of around 26 kilometres of rigid overhead conductor rail were installed in the tunnel and at the loading stations. Over 10,000 holes were drilled during the installation process to allow for more than 3,000 drop tubes and support structures to be fixed in place. New portal- and termination beams with span lengths of up to 33 metres were also used in the car-loading area.
Despite the tight time frame and challenging logistics, the project was completed in November 2025 – on time and with no disruption to rail services.
