New road tunnels are planned for Switzerland

Two key tunnel projects are being planned in Switzerland at present, for projects at Jura and Gothard. The Swiss Federal Department for Infrastructure Uvek now intends to build a third tunnel at Jura Mountain by 2022. This will be the third link for Motorway 2 and will be completed before renovation work is carried out on the two existing tunnels. The new link will provide four lanes and ensure traffic flow continues while the existing links are improved. The construction of the third tunnel is expected to
July 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSTwo key tunnel projects are being planned in Switzerland at present, for projects at Jura and Gothard. The Swiss Federal Department for Infrastructure Uvek now intends to build a third tunnel at Jura Mountain by 2022. This will be the third link for Motorway 2 and will be completed before renovation work is carried out on the two existing tunnels. The new link will provide four lanes and ensure traffic flow continues while the existing links are improved. The construction of the third tunnel is expected to cost €416.3 million (CHF500 million). Carrying out the upgrade works without the new tunnel and using partial closures of the existing link would cost some €333 million (CHF400 million), so the authorities have decided that the additional initial investment will provide long term value. Meanwhile debate continues over the proposed second Gothard tunnel, with the original link due to close for upgrades. The authorities in Uri Canton have announced opposition over plans to construct a second Gothard tunnel over concerns that this will increase vehicle traffic in the area. Instead, the authorities propose carrying cars by rail in a bid to reduce exhaust pollution.  But the Swiss Federal Council is in favour of a second road tunnel next to the existing Gothard tunnel.

Related Content

  • Europe's smart road pricing project
    April 12, 2012
    New trials pave the way for smart road pricing using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). In recent years, the concept of road charging has been gaining acceptability among Europe's policymakers.
    Read More
  • India plans major infrastucture investment
    February 10, 2012
    India says it turned its Commonwealth Games into a world-class success, and now it aims to do the same with its infrastructure. Patrick Smith reports. On October, 2010 India put itself on the world stage, and disaster appeared to loom as a catalogue of problems dogged its biggest ever sporting event. Costing nearly US$2 billion to stage, the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever were, according to some, in doubt.
    Read More
  • India plans major infrastucture investment
    April 5, 2012
    India says it turned its Commonwealth Games into a world-class success, and now it aims to do the same with its infrastructure. Patrick Smith reports On October, 2010 India put itself on the world stage, and disaster appeared to loom as a catalogue of problems dogged its biggest ever sporting event. Costing nearly US$2 billion to stage, the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever were, according to some, in doubt. After years of planning some projects were incomplete, there were health scares and a br
    Read More
  • Tackling the UK's traffic congestion
    February 28, 2012
    The biggest problem on UK roads is congestion, and there is no shortage of ideas as to how it should be tackled. Patrick Smith reports. Congestion (and how to relieve it), along with safety, are among the top priorities facing those responsible for looking after the UK's roads. Road pricing, car-share lanes, greener vehicle initiatives and alternative methods of transport such as buses, trams and rail are all part of the approach, but prior to the current economic climate the nation's love affair with the c
    Read More

Highlighted Content