Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway: Renovation of the highest station

The Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway is renovating its highest station to make it accessible. The challenging renovation is being planned by Schällibaum Engineers and Architects – using ALLPLAN Civil.

Swiss rail transport is considered the most punctual in Europe. This is even more impressive given that much of the terrain is not easily accessible flat land. After all, regular maintenance and renewal of the rail network is a prerequisite for consistent punctuality. In Switzerland, this occasionally also affects sections located in the lofty heights of the high Alps. One of these is currently the Oberalp Pass station. This is to be rebuilt and renovated in the coming years in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG). Schällibaum Ingenieure und Architekten is responsible for the planning – using ALLPLAN Civil, among other tools.

Located at an altitude of 2,033 meters, Oberalppass station is the highest stop on the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway (MGB) line between Brig and Disentis/Mustér. The renovation includes two new platforms (central and outer platforms) with two tracks and a storage track. In addition, a complete renewal of the track is planned. At the heart of the project is a new retaining wall on the lake side, which is needed both for the outer platform and to adjust the track geometry. At the same time, platform access in the form of a pedestrian underpass with ramps is to be created. The roofs for both platforms will also be integrated into the latter. Another flat ramp will provide barrier-free access to the station from the pass.

A particular challenge is maintaining rail operations during construction work and in extreme weather conditions in summer and winter with high precipitation in the form of rain and snow, as well as high wind speeds. These climatic conditions require a secondary steel and glass structure under which the ramps can be constructed while remaining fully protected. As this is a sensitive landscape area, environmental considerations were already addressed in the approval planning stage in order to minimize the environmental impact. This includes, among other things, designing the retaining wall in a curved shape that blends in with the lake shore. To blend in with the surroundings, the retaining structure will also be clad with natural stone.

Schällibaum Ingenieure und Architekten recently used the ongoing construction project as a training ground for ALLPLAN Civil. Schällibaum employees were trained in the use of the software in a one-day course given by ALLPLAN partner CDS-Bausoftware. Using the project - or rather the retaining wall - as an example, they were given a step-by-step explanation of how to use the program optimally.

This training is part of the preparation for the next planning phase for the Oberalp Pass station. With the help of ALLPLAN Civil, a parametric model of the civil engineering structure will be created in accordance with the client's current requirements. The project author explains: "For us, a major advantage of ALLPLAN Civil is that the 3D models are parametric and can therefore be adapted again and again. Previously, we modeled retaining walls as 'dumb' 3D solids, so to speak, and adjustments were very time-consuming."

The construction project is currently still in the approval process with the Federal Office of Transport. Construction is expected to start in 2031.