A strong storm that occurred on August 12, 2024, caused the Millibach River to overflow its banks, resulting in significant debris accumulation and infrastructure damage, including to the one-kilometer-long Brienz tunnel.
Zentralbahn, a Swiss railway company is an independent subsidiary of the SBB (66%), the federal government (16.1%), the canton of Nidwalden (11.8%), the canton of Obwalden (5.0%), the municipality of Engelberg (1.0%) and a few others (0.1%). It operates two connecting railway lines in Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. Established in 2005, the company owns and maintains the 74 km Brünig line, which links Lucerne and Interlaken over the Brünig Pass, as well as the 25 km Luzern–Stans–Engelberg line. Both lines are metre-gauge and utilize rack railway technology for steep gradients, though most sections operate on conventional adhesion.
The initial damage assessment shows that debris, including rubble and wood, has piled up to five meters on the tracks. Water levels reached two meters above the track, leading to considerable damage to electrical systems and other safety equipment. Repairs are expected to take several weeks, requiring debris removal, track re-laying, and restoration of damaged electrical systems.
As a result of the damage, the railway line between Brienz and Interlaken remains closed, and a replacement bus service has been established between Meiringen and Interlaken Ost. However, several stations, including Oberried, Ebligen, and Brienz West, are currently inaccessible due to ongoing disruptions.
Despite these challenges, the rest of the Zentralbahn network continues to operate according to the regular schedule. Passengers traveling from Lucerne to Interlaken are advised to reroute via Bern to avoid the affected area.
