Gottardo, first diaphragm of second tube down

Context

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 piece of homeland.'

Operational checklist

• Traditional excavation: Completion of the north disturbance zone
• Cutter progress: Crossing the cavern of the disturbance zone
• Full excavation: Scheduled to begin in August 2026
• South works: Frontal release of the cutter 'Paulina'

Practical comparisons

• Travel time: Currently, the journey between Airolo and Biasca takes about 30 minutes. With the new tube, a 15% reduction in travel time is expected.
• Traffic capacity: The new tube will increase traffic capacity by 50%, reducing waiting times in case of accidents or roadworks.
• Local economies: The project is estimated to generate a 10% increase in local GDP over the next five years, thanks to the creation of new jobs and increased tourism.

Next steps

In the coming weeks, the cutter will cross the cavern of the disturbance zone and, presumably in August, will begin the full excavation of the next tunnel section towards the south. Work is also underway on the southern side for the second tube. In recent months, several hundred meters of tunnel have been excavated using traditional methods to frontally release the mechanical cutter 'Paulina', which is temporarily stopped.

📊 Additional data:

• Total tunnel length: 16.3 km
• Excavated section length: 4 km (25% of total)
• Estimated completion time: 2028

💡 Points for reflection:

• Environmental impact: The project includes measures for environmental protection, such as monitoring of groundwater and reduction of CO2 emissions.
• Safety: The new tube will be equipped with advanced safety systems, including cameras, motion sensors, and improved ventilation systems.

⚠️ Warnings:

• Geological risks: The presence of disturbance zones requires constant monitoring and the use of advanced excavation techniques.
• Implementation times: Any delays could affect the costs and completion times of the project.

Operational details

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 TCS for real-time updates.
• Plan alternative routes such as the San Bernardino or Monte Ceneri, which could be used in case of closures.
• Check regulations on cross-border work permits, which require a valid G permit and Swiss health insurance.
• Check toll costs, which currently amount to CHF 2.50 for light vehicles and CHF 12.00 for heavy vehicles.

Comparison of practical scenarios

Currently, a cross-border worker traveling from Lugano to Göschenen takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes during peak hours. With the new tube, this time could be reduced to 50 minutes, saving about 30 minutes a day. Additionally, a 20% reduction in traffic could lead to a 15% decrease in CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

"The new Gotthard tube represents a significant step towards more efficient and safe mobility for Ticino's cross-border workers." - USTRA

Conclusion

The completion of the second Gotthard tube will offer numerous advantages to cross-border workers, improving their quality of life and reducing travel times. It is crucial for cross-border workers to stay informed and prepared for any interruptions, planning alternative routes and monitoring official communications.

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Key points

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 documents for border crossing.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: A commuter leaving Como at 7:00 AM and heading to Lugano might take about 45 minutes under normal conditions. With the ongoing works, the travel time could increase to 75 minutes if using the main road. Opting for Val Rezzonico, the time could be reduced to 60 minutes, saving 15 minutes.

Scenario 2: Another commuter leaving Chiasso at 8:00 AM and heading to Bellinzona might take 30 minutes under normal conditions. With the ongoing works, the time could increase to 50 minutes. Using the route calculator, they might discover that the route through Mendrisio and Lake Lugano is more efficient, reducing the time to 40 minutes.

Regulations and Dates

The work on the second Gotthard tube began on January 1, 2023, and is expected to last until 2028. During this period, Swiss authorities have established that heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will have to pay a supplement of 20 Swiss francs for transit during peak hours. Additionally, a 10% increase in highway tolls for private vehicles is planned for weekends to encourage the use of public transport.

Final CTA

For more information on the works and to plan your trips, use the route calculator and stay updated with the latest news on Frontaliere Ticino. Planning ahead and using the right tools can make the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth one.

Source: tvsvizzera.it