The Vereina Tunnel, a key artery in the Swiss railway network, is undergoing a major technical conversion. The core of the project is the conversion of the existing catenary system to a modern overhead conductor rail (OCR). The focus is not only on improving operational safety, but also ensuring rail services are not disrupted during the intensive construction phase. Engineers are fixing the overhead conductor rails to the tunnel ceiling in challenging conditions – precisely, efficiently and sustainably. As a project partner, the SFS Group supplied a combination of mortar cartridges, anchor rods in different dimensions, wedge lock washers and nuts made of highly corrosion-resistant materials.
Overcoming challenges with precision and technology
The conversion of the overhead line infrastructure in the Vereina Tunnel in Switzerland impressively demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology, precise planning and high-quality fastening solutions from SFS interact. The result is future-proof and sustainable railway infrastructure. With a focus on safety, longevity and minimal operational restrictions, the project is a good example of infrastructure modernization in Swiss tunneling.
Installation in sync with rail services
The conversion of the overhead line infrastructure in the Vereina Tunnel requires maximum flexibility and precision. SFS supports the customer with sophisticated solutions to ensure that all work can be carried out safely and on schedule during the night whilst rail services are not running. SFS has been supporting the project for two years with comprehensive know-how to ensure that rail services are not disrupted during the day and that the timetable up to November 2025 is kept to.
Innovative fastening technology for maximum safety and efficiency
With suitable fastening solutions and precise drilling methods, the SFS Group is supporting the anchoring of the overhead conductor rails to around 3,000 ceiling structures. Use of water-cooled diamond core drill bits not only guarantees protective working in shotcrete, but also rapid implementation on site. SFS uses ETA-certified reaction cartridges from its partner company fischer, ensuring force-fit and long-lasting connections even in challenging, cracked concrete substrates in tunnel construction.
High-quality materials for long-term corrosion protection
The customer opted for SFS's highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel anchors, which offer long-lasting protection even in aggressive, salty tunnel climates caused by vehicles having come into contact with salt spread on the roads in wintry conditions. This was an important customer requirement which SFS met whilst also reducing maintenance costs and ensuring long-term operational safety.
Tailor-made and flexible solutions for complex requirements
SFS manufactures and supplies anchor rods in 11 different lengths that are precisely tailored to the construction site – perfectly matched to the irregular shotcrete ceiling. In addition, special wedge lock washers ensure that no nuts can loosen as a result of vibrations. In this way, the SFS Group is able to guarantee that the fastening of the overhead conductor rails is permanent, stable and secure along the entire length of the tunnel.
