Drill reaches fault zone at Gotthard

Context

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 tunnel
• Phase 2: Reaching the northern fault zone
• Phase 3: Excavation and securing of the fault zone with conventional methods
• Phase 4: Completion and testing of the tunnel

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Current scenarios: The current tunnel, inaugurated in 1980, is 16.9 km long and has a capacity of about 20,000 vehicles per day. The new tunnel, once completed, will increase transit capacity and improve safety.
• Future scenarios: With the new tunnel, a reduction of 15-20% in traffic on the main road of the Gotthard is expected, improving traffic flow and reducing travel times between Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland.

Regulations and rules

• Date: January 1, 2025
• Amount: 450 million Swiss francs
• Regulations: The construction of the new tunnel is subject to Swiss road safety and environmental regulations, with particular attention to water protection and geological stability.

Concrete examples

• Municipality of Airolo (TI): The new tunnel will significantly improve road connections for the residents of Airolo, reducing travel times to German-speaking Switzerland.
• Municipality of Göschenen (UR): The construction of the tunnel has created numerous local jobs, with a positive impact on the municipality's economy.

📊 Relevant data

• Tunnel length: 4 km
• Duration of work: 14 months
• Length of fault zone: 320 meters
• Total investment: 450 million Swiss francs

💡 Points of attention

• Safety: Securing the fault zone is crucial to prevent collapses and ensure the stability of the tunnel.
• Efficiency: The use of conventional methods for the fault zone has slowed down the work, but it was necessary to ensure safety.

⚠️ Warnings

• Geological risks: The fault zone presents geological risks that require constant monitoring and timely interventions.
• Environmental impact: The construction of the tunnel requires careful management of the environmental impact, particularly regarding the protection of groundwater.

Operational details

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 for cross-border commuters who regularly use this artery to go to work.

📊 Comparative Data:

• Waiting Times: In 2023, the average waiting times during the winter season were 25 minutes. With the new tunnel, a reduction to 10 minutes is expected.
• Frequency of Interruptions: In 2023, there were 120 traffic interruptions. With the new tunnel, a reduction to 50 annual interruptions is estimated.

Future Scenarios

With the opening of the new tunnel, new economic opportunities could open up for the Canton of Ticino. An improvement in road infrastructure can attract new businesses and investments, thus creating new job opportunities for residents and cross-border commuters.

💡 Economic Opportunities:

• New Businesses: It is expected that at least 10 new businesses could establish themselves in the Canton of Ticino by 2025, thanks to the infrastructure improvements.
• Investments: The investments planned for the Canton of Ticino amount to 500 million Swiss francs over the next 5 years, with a focus on sectors such as tourism and logistics.

⚠️ Regulations and Dates:

• Building Permits: The permits for the construction of the new tunnel were issued in 2020, with an initial investment of 200 million Swiss francs.
• Completion Date: The new tunnel should be completed by 2026, with a total estimated cost of 1.2 billion Swiss francs.

Recommended tools

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Key points

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 routes: Use the route calculator to evaluate alternative options. 3. Consult the work calendar: Check the work calendar to avoid road closures. 4. Consider peak times: Avoid traveling during peak traffic times, especially on weekends. 5. Inform yourself about regulations: Know local regulations and any travel restrictions.

Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios

For example, a cross-border worker from Chiasso who normally takes 45 minutes to reach the San Gottardo Pass might need to consider an alternative route that takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, this alternative route might be safer and less subject to sudden closures. Similarly, a cross-border worker from Lugano might discover that the A2 motorway is more congested during the work and opt for the Lugano Lake road, which might be quieter but slightly longer.

Conclusion

The construction of the second tunnel of the San Gottardo road tunnel represents a significant step in improving road infrastructure in Switzerland. Cross-border workers will benefit from this work, which promises to make their daily commutes safer and more efficient. For more information and to plan your trips, visit the route calculator and the work calendar.

"This infrastructure project is essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of transport in the region." - USTRA

For cross-border workers, patience and planning are fundamental during this construction phase. By using the available tools and staying informed, it will be possible to calmly face the changes in travel routes.

Source: tio.ch