Tag Archives: spiral tunnels

The Magnificent Double Helix at Biaschina, Switzerland; 16 April 2016

Does the mist and rain add a sense of mystique to one of the great railway wonders of the world?

At Biaschina, SBB’s route on the south slope of the Gottard Pass navigates a complete double spiral (or double helix).

The line passes through several tunnels and appears the viewer on three distinct levels, each hundreds of feet above each other.

I made these images from the Ticino riverbed using my Lumix LX7 on Saturday 16 April 2016.

Denis McCabe, Gerry Conmy, Stephen Hirsch and I were visiting the line to make photographs before the new base tunnel diverts traffic at the end of the year.

A southward passenger train on the top level of Biaschina loops.
A southward passenger train on the top level of Biaschina loops.
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A few minutes later the same train appears on the middle level. Lumix LX7 photo.
Finally, with little warning, the train emerges from the tunnel on the lowest level of the Double Helix. Lumix LX7 photo.
Finally, with little warning, the train emerges from the tunnel on the lowest level of the Double Helix. Lumix LX7 photo.

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