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PULS 90 Network Planning: Alternative to Additional Tracks and Flyovers

For the Berne area a substantial enhancement of traffic is planned for the next decade. Numerous expensive infrastructure measures are stipulated to enable this. In the same period, the replacement of the main interlocking is due. The project identifies possibilities to improve capacity with signalling and process based measures and compares the costs to conventional capacity enhancement.

A detailed timetable scenario is set up for a conceivable service offer for the node of Berne and the adjacent network parts. Optimised conventional signalling and ETCS level 2 are introduced in different scenarios. The operational process of PULS 90 is applied. The conflict-free timetables are proven by simulation. The requirement for additional infrastructure is reduced to one core flyover.

Client

SBB I-XP (Switzerland)

Period
2001
2002
Fields of activity
Infrastructure;Rail infrastructure;Mobility and traffic;Rail systems
Delivered services

Conceivable service offer train quantities

Define connectivity concept

Calculate minimal headways

Conflict-free timetable on lines

Track occupation in node

Simulation of operational behavior

Comparison of costs

Specifications

Corridor Basel–Thun: approx. 150 km

Planning horizon: 2020

Minimal headway: 90 s

Platform tracks in Berne: 14

Approching lines: 9

Trains trough node of Berne: 106 / h

Costs conventional: 2.5 Billion CHF

Costs with PULS 90: 0.4 Bilions CHF