1907
119 years ago
OpeningSwitzerland
Simplon Tunnel Opens
Jura-Simplon Railway
Brig
May 26, 1907
Summary
The Simplon Tunnel, then the world's longest railway tunnel, opens connecting Switzerland and Italy through the Alps.
Full Story
The Simplon Tunnel officially opened to traffic on May 26, 1907 after 7 years of construction. At 19.8 km, it was the longest tunnel in the world and featured innovative ventilation and drainage systems to handle the challenging alpine geology. Built by the Jura-Simplon Railway with Swiss and Italian cooperation, it used electric locomotives from the start due to smoke concerns. The tunnel dramatically shortened travel times between northern Europe and Milan, boosting trade and tourism while showcasing advanced engineering that influenced later alpine projects like the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
Continue Reading
Members get access to extended stories, related events, source documents, and historical context.
Quick Facts
- Date
- May 26, 1907
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- Switzerland
- Years Ago
- 119
Explore More History
RailScanPro members get access to our complete archive of railroad history with advanced search, filtering, and thousands of events.
Subscribe Now