SBB will be renovating the Simplon Tunnel over the next four years. The first stage of the work, which will begin in early February 2025, will have an impact on the timetable for BLS passenger trains between Brig and Iselle. Overall, RegioExpress trains between Brig and Domodossola will run according to the timetable.

From 8 February 2025, in addition to the IR trains between Brig and Domodossola, the EC between Geneva and Domodossola will once again run according to the annual timetable. Joint press release by SBB and BLS on 27 January 2025

The entire length of the eastern tube of the Simplon Tunnel is to be renovated. Parts of the vault will be restored and drainage will be optimised. The work will be carried out in six-month phases each year between 2025 and 2028. It is planned taking into account the various construction sites in other tunnels in Switzerland in order to guarantee a minimum transalpine offer of passenger and freight traffic.

The first stage of the work will take place between 3 February and 27 July 2025 without interruption to operations. The impact on rail traffic is as follows: BLS car trains between Brig and Iselle will run every 120 minutes instead of every 90 minutes. Overall, RegioExpress trains between Brig and Domodossola will run every two hours according to the timetable. Passengers are requested to consult the timetable. Freight traffic is affected by the work, as traffic is significantly disrupted along the four-metre corridor in the Simplon Tunnel.

Construction sites also between Domodossola and Milan

The railway infrastructure is also being developed in Italy: the four-metre corridor between Domodossola and Milan is to be widened, which will benefit transalpine freight traffic. The rehabilitation of the section will take place at certain times. The service on the Simplon axis will therefore be reduced for several years.

In 2025, as in 2024, only three EC trains instead of four will run on weekdays and in each direction on the Basel–Bern–Milan and Geneva–Brig–Milan lines due to the construction work between Domodossola and Milan. From/to Basel, one EC train per direction will only run as far as Domodossola. Similarly, from/to Geneva, one EC train per direction will only run as far as Brig. At weekends, the service remains unchanged with four EC trains per direction on the Basel–Bern–Milan and Geneva–Brig–Milan lines. Until 31 January 2025, the following IR trains between Brig and Domodossola will be cancelled: Mondays, departure at 9:37 a.m. from Brig and at 1:48 p.m. from Domodossola, Wednesday to Friday, departure at 10:44 a.m. from Brig and at 1:48 p.m. from Domodossola.

From 8 June to 27 July and from 31 August to 12 September 2025, the section between Domodossola and Milan will be completely closed to train traffic. All EC trains between Domodossola and Milan will therefore be cancelled. A replacement programme with buses is currently being drawn up.

source: SBB media release. https://news.sbb.ch/fr/medias/article/134547/assainissement-du-tunnel-du-simplon-debut-des-travaux-en-fevrier