Initial situation

Zentralbahn plans its construction projects on a long-term basis. Where possible, these are combined and carried out in short, intensive construction phases with very compact construction programs. Total closures are unavoidable, as they make it possible to minimize the impact on residents and travelers and limit it to a specific period of time.

In recent years, Zentralbahn has already carried out closures on the section between Stansstad and Engelberg to renovate the track, bridges, retaining walls, and tunnels.

A four-week total closure ended in April 2021. The main projects were the total reconstruction of Engelbergertal Part 1, which mainly took place before and after Wolfenschiessen. In addition, numerous smaller track renewals and level crossing renovations were carried out, as well as the platform roof in Stans.

During the upcoming closure from September 7 to October 18, 2026, the following renovation work will take place on the section between Stansstad and Engelberg. It should be noted that the section between Wolfenschiessen and Engelberg will remain closed until November 1, 2026.

Renovation work on the individual subprojects

The Gerbi Bridge over the A2 motorway has cracks in the road transitions. The entire bridge is being renovated in cooperation with ASTRA, with Zentralbahn taking on overall project management.

Objective of the construction project  
In the final stage, the following areas are to be renovated or replaced in order to ensure continued operation in the future:

  • Repair of the roadway transitions
  • Renewal of the waterproofing of the concrete trough, the superstructure, the drainage system, the curbs, and the railings
  • Construction of new abutment benches, renovation of the abutments
  • Replacement of the bearings

Between Stans and Dallenwil: The reconstruction of the track is intended to close the gap between the total reconstruction in 2012 and the Staldifeld double track project.

Objective of the construction project

  • Superstructure renewal over a distance of 280 m
  • Repair of the level crossing at Holzbau Kayser AG

As part of the approved 2035 expansion phase (AS35), infrastructure measures were defined for the expansion of services with half-hourly intervals between Lucerne and Engelberg. A key project is the Staldifeld double track, where trains will cross in the future.

Aim of the construction project

  • Construction of a double track between the Gehren level crossing (Holzbau Kayser AG) and the Büren level crossing (near the Kantonstrasse junction) over a length of 607 m in the Staldifeld area
  • Adaptation of the combined path (footpath and cycle path) to the new track layout
  • Extension and/or new construction of the underpass beneath Kantonsstrasse and the Dorfbach culvert
  • Relocation of Dallenwilerstrasse, including redesign of a junction due to the additional track

The Zentralbahn rail network was damaged by severe weather. In order to ensure that services could resume as quickly as possible, a minimum of track work and emergency repairs were carried out. Individual sections have already been renovated as part of the total renovation of the Engelberg Valley, part 1. Now the remaining sections of track are to be renewed.

Objective of the construction project

  • Renovation in 3 sections
  • Between Wolfenschiessen station and Wolfenschiessen Dörfli, including replacement of the Secklisbach bridge
  • Between Wolfenschiessen Bannerlen and Grafenort stop, including replacement of the culvert at Eltschenbach and replacement of the Grafenort platform
  • Between the south tunnel portal (Engelberg side) and just before the Hotel Espen, Engelberg

The partial renovation of the Engelberg Tunnel project will extend the service life of the engineering structures and railway facilities.

The aim of the construction project  

  • Sealing of the tunnel vault
  • Concrete repairs in the shoulder area
  • Drainage of water in the niches
  • Conversion of tunnel lighting to LED
  • Replacement of various cable systems

The support and protective structures along the Engelberg curve are partly outdated and need to be repaired. In addition, the risk of rockfall on this section will be eliminated as far as possible, both for construction work and for operation.  

Objective of the construction project

  • Increase safety for maintenance and construction work on the Bodenkurve
  • Ensure long-term preservation of the retaining structures near the railway
  • Increase long-term protection against natural hazards

Timetable

Preparatory work: From November 2025 to the end of August 2026

From November 2025, the first preparatory work will begin on the Bodenkurve in Engelberg and from spring 2026 on the Secklisbach in Wolfenschiessen, including clearing work, filling in construction tracks, and creating installation sites. Railway operations will continue without restriction during this time.

Total closure: Monday, September 7, 2026 – Sunday, October 18, 2026 / November 1, 2026

The line between Stansstad and Engelberg will be closed from September 7 to October 18, 2026. The section between Wolfenschiessen and Engelberg will remain closed until November 1, 2026. Rail replacement buses will operate.

Follow-up work: until spring 2027

Trains will run according to the timetable on the entire route. The installation sites and construction tracks will be dismantled step by step. The necessary final work on the structures and recultivation will take place.

Restrictions and inconveniences

Zentralbahn plans its construction projects on a long-term basis. Where possible, these projects are combined and implemented in short, intensive construction phases with very compact construction programs. Total closures are unavoidable, as they make it possible to minimize the impact on residents and travelers and limit it to a specific period of time.

Immissions / construction noise

The construction work carried out for the preparatory work usually takes place Monday to Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Information about night work is provided directly on the “Resident information” page. Zentralbahn strives to keep noise emissions to a minimum.

Rail traffic disruption

The line between Stansstad and Engelberg will be closed from September 7 to October 18, 2026. The section between Wolfenschiessen and Engelberg will remain closed until November 1, 2026. Rail replacement buses will be in operation.

Traffic disruption on the road

From January 20, 2026, until around the end of March 2026, rockfall protection nets and safety measures will be installed on the slope, mainly during the day, which may lead to partial closures of the road. A traffic service will be in operation during this period.

Helicopter transport

Depending on weather conditions, the necessary materials and machinery will be flown in and out by helicopter between mid-January and the end of March 2026. The helicopter flights cannot be scheduled on a daily basis.

For safety reasons and in their own interest, we ask residents living near the flight route to take the following precautions:

  • Remove loose objects or light materials from outdoors (e.g., plastic bags, cardboard boxes, clothes, tarpaulins).
  • Move flowers and small flower pots to a safe place or secure them
  • Keep parasols and awnings closed or retract them
  • Secure automatic awnings
  • Secure lighter garden furniture and clotheslines

The transport company accepts no liability.

Flight route for helicopter transport:

Contact

Reto Stäubli

  • Project manager for the Engelberg tunnel renovation

Luise Löskow

  • Project manager for the Engelberg ground curve support and protective structures project
  • Project manager for the total renovation of Engelberg Valley, part 2

Marco Hauser

  • Project manager for the Gerbi bridge renovation
  • Project manager for the Staldifeld double track
  • Project manager for the Feld superstructure renovation

zb Zentralbahn AG
Infrastructure
Bahnhofstrasse 23
6362 Stansstad

+41 58 668 86 00