Gottardo, first diaphragm of second tube down

Contesto

In brief - First diaphragm of the second San Gottardo tube has fallen - The 'Alessandra' cutter has reached the north disturbance zone - USTRA director: 'The Gottardo is a vital artery' ## Key facts - What: Fall of the first diaphragm of the second San Gottardo tube - When: April 29, 2026 - Where: 4 km from the north entrance of the tunnel, between Airolo and Biasca - Who: Federal Roads Office (USTRA) - Progress: Almost 35 meters per day - Total project cost: 2.8 billion Swiss francs - Regulation: Federal Law on National Roads and Traffic (LTS), in force since January 1, 1997 Just before noon on April 29, 2026, the first diaphragm fell during the excavation of the north part of the second San Gottardo road tunnel, located 4 kilometers from the north entrance, between the municipalities of Airolo and Biasca. This event was celebrated in the presence of numerous miners and project participants. The mechanical cutter 'Alessandra' reached the cavern of the north disturbance zone, previously excavated using traditional methods due to the friability of the rock. ### Mining tradition According to mining tradition, the passage was first crossed by a miner carrying a statue of Saint Barbara. The tunnel section excavated so far has mostly developed through the Aare granite. During the excavation of the first four kilometers, progress rates of nearly 35 meters per day were achieved. The director of USTRA, Jürg Röthlisberger, emphasized the strategic importance of the San Gottardo: 'The San Gottardo 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 piec...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for cross-border workers The completion of the second tube of the Gotthard will have a significant impact on cross-border workers who daily cross the border. According to USTRA data, approximately 12,000 vehicles pass through the Gotthard every day, 60% of which are cross-border workers from the Ticino municipalities of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso. The increase in road capacity will reduce travel time from Lugano to Göschenen from 1 hour and 15 minutes to about 50 minutes, improving safety and facilitating travel between the Canton of Ticino and the rest of Switzerland. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the start of the works, the Gotthard was already a vital artery, but heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions often caused delays. For example, during the winter of 2022, snow closures caused average delays of 30 minutes per trip. With the second tube, a 20% reduction in traffic and greater fluidity are expected, especially during peak periods such as morning and evening rush hours. ### Future scenarios If the works proceed as planned, the new tube could be open to traffic by 2028. This will allow for a more balanced distribution of traffic and easier maintenance of the existing tunnel. Cross-border workers will benefit from safer and less congested routes, improving their daily quality of life. For example, residents of Lugano could save up to 200 hours a year in travel time. ### Concrete procedures For cross-border workers who regularly use the Gotthard, it is important to monitor updates on the works and plan any detours in case of temporary closures. USTRA will provide timely communications about any traffic interruptions. Here is an operational checklist for cross-border workers: - Monitor official websites such as USTRA and T...

Punti chiave

What to Do Now With the start of work on the second Gotthard tube, cross-border workers who daily cross the Italian-Swiss border must adapt their travel habits. According to official estimates, the construction sites could cause delays of up to 30 minutes during peak hours, especially on the stretches between Airolo and Biasca. For commuters living in towns like Lugano, Mendrisio, or Chiasso, it is crucial to plan alternative routes. For example, those who usually cross the San Gottardo could consider the San Bernardino road, which, although about 15 kilometers longer, offers a less congested alternative. Navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze provide real-time updates, but it is advisable to also check the official websites of Swiss and Italian authorities for precise information on the construction sites. ### Useful Tools To optimize travel times, cross-border workers can use the route calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows you to calculate travel times taking into account the ongoing works and to identify alternative routes. For example, a commuter leaving Como and heading to Lugano may discover that, based on traffic conditions, the route through Val Rezzonico could be more advantageous than the main road. Additionally, the calculator provides information on any speed restrictions or partial closures, such as those planned between Bellinzona and Giubiasco. ### Operational Checklist - Planning: Check ongoing construction sites and alternatives before departure. - Navigation Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time updates. - Route Calculator: Consult the Frontaliere Ticino website for optimized routes. - Travel Times: Expect delays of up to 30 minutes during peak hours. - Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary document...

Punti chiave

{"q":"What is the strategic importance of the Gotthard?","a":"The Gotthard is a vital artery connecting northern and southern Switzerland, German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. It is a fundamental economic route for hundreds of thousands of people."},{"q":"When is the completion of the second tube expected?","a":"The completion of the second tube is expected for 2028, provided that the works proceed as planned."},{"q":"How can I plan my trips during the construction works?","a":"You can use the [route calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website for real-time updates on traffic and road conditions."}]

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