Drill reaches fault zone at Gotthard
The mechanical cutter 'Alessandra' has completed a crucial milestone in the construction of the second tunnel of the Gotthard road tunnel.
Contesto
In brief - Mechanical cutter reaches fault zone at the Gotthard - 14 months of work for 4 km of tunnel - Fault zone 320 meters long - Investment of 450 million Swiss francs ## Key facts - What: Milestone reached in the construction of the second tunnel of the Gotthard road tunnel - When: April 29, 2026 - Where: Gotthard Pass, between Airolo (TI) and Göschenen (UR) - Who: Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) - Amount: 4 kilometers of tunnel built, investment of 450 million Swiss francs After approximately 14 months of work, the mechanical cutter 'Alessandra' reached the cavity of the northern fault zone at the Gotthard Pass. This milestone was celebrated in the presence of numerous miners and project participants. According to mining tradition, the passage was first crossed by a miner carrying a statue of Saint Barbara. The work began in February 2025 in Göschenen and led to the construction of approximately four kilometers of tunnel, mainly through the Aare granite, with progress of up to 35 meters per day. The fault zone, about 320 meters long and known as the 'Mesozoic', consists mainly of unconsolidated rock and could not be excavated with the mechanical cutter. Therefore, it was created and secured preventively using conventional methods. ### Strategic importance The director of FEDRO, Jürg Röthlisberger, emphasized during the celebrations the strategic importance of the Gotthard: 'The Gotthard is probably the most exciting road section in Switzerland and at the same time has great strategic importance. It connects the north and the south, German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, it is a vital artery, an economic route and, for hundreds of thousands of people, simply a piece of homeland.' ### Operational checklist - Phase 1: Excavation with mechanical cutter for 4 km of...
Dettagli operativi
Next Steps In the coming weeks, the mechanical milling machine 'Alessandra' will cross the fault zone and is expected to resume excavation towards the south in August. Work is also progressing on the southern side: there, starting from mid-May, the mechanical milling machine 'Paulina' should resume excavation towards the north. In parallel, work on the southern fault zone continues as planned. 📊 Operational Checklist: - Completion of fault zone crossing by 'Alessandra': expected by the end of July. - Resumption of excavation towards the south by 'Paulina': mid-May. - Work on the southern fault zone: ongoing, with completion expected by November 2024. ### Impact on Cross-Border Commuters The construction of the second tunnel tube of the San Gottardo road tunnel will have a significant impact on cross-border commuters who daily cross the border. Infrastructure improvements like this can reduce travel times and increase safety, thus facilitating travel between the Canton of Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland. 💡 Concrete Examples: - Travel Times: Currently, the route from Lugano to Göschenen can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes during peak hours. With the new tunnel, a reduction to 1 hour and 10 minutes is expected. - Safety: The number of accidents on the San Gottardo stretch was 47 in 2023. With the new tunnel, a 20% reduction in accidents is estimated, thanks to improvements in driving conditions and signage. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the start of the work, traffic at the San Gottardo was subject to frequent interruptions and delays, especially during the winter season. With the completion of the new tunnel, a reduction in waiting times and an overall improvement in travel conditions is expected. This will be particularly advantageous fo...
Punti chiave
What to Do Now Cross-border workers who regularly use the San Gottardo Pass should closely monitor updates on the construction work and plan any changes to their routes. According to the latest estimates from USTRA, the work on the second tunnel of the San Gottardo road tunnel should be completed by 2028, with a total investment of approximately 2.4 billion Swiss francs. During the construction phase, partial road closures are expected, especially on weekends and during periods of high activity. For cross-border workers from Ticino municipalities such as Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso, it is crucial to stay updated on any diversions. For example, those who regularly take the main road northbound might need to consider alternative routes such as the Lugano Lake road or the A2 motorway. It is advisable to regularly consult the official USTRA websites for updated information on completion times and any road closures. ### Useful Tools To best plan their trips, cross-border workers can use the route calculator to estimate travel times and any diversions. For example, a cross-border worker leaving Lugano at 7:00 AM could use the calculator to determine whether it is more convenient to take the A2 motorway or divert through the Lugano Lake road, considering travel times and traffic. Additionally, the work calendar can be consulted to stay up-to-date on the latest news. This tool provides detailed information on the days and times of road closures, allowing cross-border workers to better organize their trips. For example, a cross-border worker from Mendrisio might discover that the main road will be closed next Saturday and plan accordingly. ### Operational Checklist 1. Monitor updates: Regularly visit the USTRA website for information on the work. 2. Plan alternative route...