Arnd Wiegmann/ReutersThe Swiss Alps are an unforgiving landscape of rugged, rocky peaks and lush, green valleys. Connecting communities that would be otherwise isolated by the vast mountain range- including cultural and economic hubs like Zurich, Milan and Turin-is no easy task.
Tunneling and track-laying for the 35-mile NEAT Gotthard Base Tunnel has been completed, making it officially the longest tunnel in the world, surpassing Japan's 14.5-mile Seikan Tunnel.
Swiss authorities held a media day inside the tunnel on August 24 to announce that the majority of technical work for the tunnel had been completed, Swiss newspaper TDG reports. Testing will begin October 1 in anticipation of the first passenger and freight trains in June 2016.