The federal office of transport has given the go ahead for testing to begin in the Gotthard Base Tunnel.  The first successful test runs began on 01/10/2015 with the first trains using  the signalling and train protection ETCS level 2 system.  Over 5000 test runs are planned and should be completed by 31.05.2016. A special type of ICE-S train has been brought in from Germany, which will have a maximum speed of up to 275 km per hour.  Currently they are running tests for the GSM-R and tunnel radio systems. The instruments used will measure SBB and test for the interaction between non-ballasted tracks, trains and the line of contact.

During November and December there will be further test runs using a step by step method to achieve and find maximum speeds. Then from the end of February 2016 they will start testing using the freight trains. Click here for tunnelbuilder archive. Visit https://www.alptransit.ch. 42/15.