In 1989, a new bypass of was completed (with a 2% ruling grade) and the original bypass route was closed. The new route was open for passenger trains, although it required auxiliary engines to push trains up steep sections and was limited to a maximum speed of , the route taking around 2 hours to cross. This section featured a large number of tight curves and viaducts, with the long curved bridge built near the tunnel's western portal being nicknamed locally the Devil's Bridge. It also included two of its own, one of which was in length. It was also expensive to maintain and at risk of avalanches.