Closed roads will nevertheless be re-opened this summer

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Champel tunnel that is a key part of the new regional Ceva rail system in Geneva has run up against unexpected geological problems that will delay the project by 21 months.

The 2017 deadline for the opening of the Cornavin-Eaux-Vive-Annemass line thus won’t be met, but the CHF1.57 million project cost will still be respected, media were told 26 March at a press conference in Geneva.

A precise date for the rescheduled opening won’t be decided before the end of 2015, but the canton, Ceva project and the CFF rail company are studying options to open parts of the line earlier than the rest.

Appeals delayed work one year, delayed tunnel soundings

The tunnel had already suffered a one-year delay due to appeals but work that began a few days ago on the tunnel have made it clear that time will now not be made up. Tunnel area soundings were also delayed, so that it has only now become apparent that more structural reinforcements will be needed during tunneling work, slowing it down by 20 percent.

Work began on the rail line two years ago.

The tunnel problems will affect only road closings at the two ends of the tunnel, the group said Wednesday. Avenue MIremont will be re-opened in May, the Route de Chêne in June and the Route de Jussy in August.