Double Track Expansion Project Trübbach–Buchs SG

As part of the strategic development program STEP AS25, the railway section between St. Gallen and Chur was upgraded to enable half-hourly service between St. Gallen and Sargans. We had the privilege of implementing this challenging infrastructure project as the general contractor.

Project description

The project included various sub-projects carried out during ongoing operations, except for a total shutdown of three weeks in summer 2023 and three weekend closures:

Decommissioning of the Weite-Wartau stop
Expansion of passenger facilities in Sevelen
Double-track extension Sevelen – Buchs SG
Decommissioning of the Räfis-Burgerau stop
Double-track extension Buchs SG – Buchs North
Extension of a track in Buchs SG
Track renewal between Sevelen and Buchs SG and within Buchs SG

A major highlight was the intensive construction phase in March 2024. During this period, two bridges were pushed into place within a very short time, while the substructure was simultaneously built and 320 meters of track and two switches were installed.

Technical challenges

The replacement of the "Buchser Giessen" bridge required highly focused execution within the three-week total closure. Close coordination with the parallel track construction and subgrade work was crucial, as these works had a direct impact on national timetable and path planning.

Track Construction and Logistics

Track renewal was carried out in sections, both on open track and in the Buchs SG freight yard area. Due to the topography, proximity to the border, and the need to maintain both passenger and freight traffic, logistics were highly complex. The superstructure material was delivered by SBB, taken over by us, and transported to the respective installation sites.

For the first time in Switzerland, the ballast cleaning was performed at intervals using Swietelsky's RUS-1000 S. Thanks to optimized planning, 450 meters of track could be regularly cleaned, equipped with new rails and concrete sleepers, and released for operation at 80 km/h by the following morning.