The Limmattalbahn is one of the most dynamic regions in Switzerland. For further development, an expansion of public transport is necessary.
Project description
The Limmattalbahn is to take over a large part of the future additional traffic and provide optimal access to the Limmattal, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the Zurich area. The Limmattalbahn runs as a fast fine distributor coordinated with the S-Bahn from Zurich-Altstetten to Killwangen. With a total of 27 stops on the 13.4 km long double-track line, Altstetten as well as the communities of Schlieren, Urdorf, Dietikon, Spreitenbach and Killwangen are made accessible and connected. The Limmattalbahn is a meter-gauge railroad operated with bi-directional vehicles. The share of own track is more than 90%.
Special features
The Limmattalbahn was realized in two stages. Stage 1 included the section from Zürich Farbhof to Schlieren Geissweid. Stage 2 includes the section Schlieren Geissweid to Killwangen-Spreitenbach station and the construction of the depot. Track construction work for stage 1 started in May 2018 and was completed at the end of July 2019. As part of the Schlierefäscht festival, the new line could be used for the first time by VBZ streetcars on Saturday, August 31. Since September 2, 2019, the 2-seater streetcar has been running on schedule as far as Schlieren.
Track construction work for stage 2 started in January 2020. Work is being carried out at up to four work sites simultaneously and several intensive phases with three-shift operation are planned. A first one in Badenerstrasse in Dietikon has already been successfully completed in summer 2020. By the end of 2020, track construction work from the Farbhof station to Altstetten station will also be completed.
As in Stage 1, the civil engineering work for the Limmattalbahn is divided into individual lots. This requires intensive coordination and flexible approaches to implementation.
The commissioning of the second stage with connection to Altstetten station is in December 2022.
The entire rail technology for the Limmattalbahn is being planned, supplied, installed and commissioned by four total contractors (TU) Bahntechnik. Walo Bertschinger AG (lead management, technical and commercial management; 75% share) and Carlo Vanoli AG Thalwil (25% share) form the ARGE GOB Limmattalbahn, which has been awarded the contract for the track superstructure lot and is carrying it out. The two engineering firms Basler & Hofmann AG and SNZ Ingenieure und Planer AG were involved as subcontractors for project planning, specialist construction management, surveying and commissioning.
