Tunnel key to reducing freight traffic

According to the Swiss Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, the number of freight vehicles travelling by road through the Alps in 2010 increased by 77,000 to 1.257 million, matching the levels of 2007 and 2008.
February 22, 2012 Read time: 1 min
The Swiss want to reduce the number of road freight vehicles travelling through the Alps after the Gotthard Base Tunnel opens in 2019. Seen late last year is the breakthrough in the eastern tube of the twin tube 57km long tunnel. (Pic: Herrenknecht)
According to the 2970 Swiss Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, the number of freight vehicles travelling by road through the Alps in 2010 increased by 77,000 to 1.257 million, matching the levels of 2007 and 2008.
The goal by the end of 2011 is to reduce this number to a maximum of 1 million and to 650,000 in 2019 following the opening of the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
According to law if these levels are not achieved the 2972 Swiss Federal Council will have to submit additional measures to achieve it. The Federal Council is to submit alternative proposals later in 2011.
In 2010 more goods were also transported across the Alps by rail, with 62.7% of all freight being transported through the Alps by train, compared to 60.9% in 2009.
Road Structures

Related Content

  • Modern road system is 'a must'
    August 2, 2012
    Australia's GDP could see a major increase if traffic bottlenecks in big cities were to be removed, and the government is addressing this as a matter of urgency A modern road system is a must in Australia where it is estimated that the removal of traffic bottlenecks could potentially raise the country's GDP by 0.8%. According to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), which made the prediction, infrastructure bottlenecks (particularly in cities, which account for over 70% of the country'
    Read More
  • Safer roads for US state of Washington?
    May 30, 2012
    The US state of Washington is introducing tougher rules against cell phone use while driving. The state also now has a tough line against drivers sending texts while at the wheel. The new rules have been commended by US transportation secretary Ray LaHood. From now on using a cell-phone without a hands-free kit or sending a text while at the wheel is a primary offense in Washington State. This new law strengthens Washington's 2008 ban which allowed law enforcement officials to ticket drivers caught using th
    Read More
  • Key Qatar tunnel waterproofing project
    May 17, 2017
    Technology from Stirling Lloyd is being used to waterproof the recently constructed Lusail Tunnel in Qatar. The construction of the tunnel is a major project as it forms part of a new US$30 billion integrated transportation system in Qatar. The new Lusail CP07-C-1-A Commercial Boulevard, Road A3 Troughs, Underpass and Tunnel project is designed to provide a connection from the recently established Lusail City to the heart of Doha in Qatar. The cut and cover tunnel provides fast access to the new Lusail City
    Read More
  • The World Bank asks how to Accelerate Progress on the SDGs and Respond to the COVID Crisis?
    August 26, 2020
    South Africa prioritises transport. By Dr Nancy L Vandycke, programme manager, World Bank
    Read More

Highlighted Content