Cantonale 'interna' works from Ascona to Porto Ronco cause traffic disruptions

Context

In brief

• Work has begun on the new cantonal 'internal' road from Ascona to Porto Ronco.
• Cross-border workers may experience traffic disruptions.

Work underway on the new cantonal 'internal' road

The source Il Giornale del Ticino reports that work has begun on the new cantonal 'internal' road from Ascona to Porto Ronco. This road is an important link between the Ticino municipalities of Ascona, Losone, Minusio and Porto Ronco, used daily by thousands of cross-border workers commuting to work in Switzerland.

The project involves the renovation and expansion of the existing road, with the aim of improving traffic safety and flow. The total cost of the project is approximately 10 million Swiss francs, fully funded by the Canton of Ticino.

However, the ongoing work may cause traffic jams and slowdowns along the route, which could have an impact on commuter traffic. In particular, it is expected that cross-border workers using this road to get to work may experience traffic disruptions.

Possible disruptions for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers using the cantonal 'internal' road to get to work may experience traffic disruptions due to ongoing work. In particular, it is expected that slowdowns and traffic jams may cause significant delays in travel time, which could affect punctuality at work.

For example, according to Ticino Canton data, around 25,000 cross-border workers crossed the border every day in 2020 to work in Switzerland. If even a small percentage of these cross-border workers experience significant delays due to ongoing work, the number of lost working hours could be significant.

Therefore, cross-border workers are advised to pay attention and plan their journeys in advance. In particular, it is recommended to:

• Inform yourself about possible alternative routes and real-time traffic situation;
• Leave earlier to avoid being late for work;
• Use public transport, if possible, to avoid adding more vehicles to traffic.

Furthermore, it is important to remember that cross-border workers residing in Italy and working in Switzerland are subject to specific regulations on cross-border employment. In particular, the 1975 treaty between Italy and Switzerland governs the working conditions of cross-border workers, providing, among other things, for the recognition of periods of social security contributions and the protection of workers' rights.

In any case, it is important that cross-border workers are informed about their rights and obligations in the field of cross-border employment and contact the competent authorities in case of doubts or problems.

Operational details

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The ongoing works on the internal cantonal road from Ascona to Porto Ronco may have a significant impact on the traffic and travel times for cross-border workers who use this road to commute to work. It is estimated that around 15,000 cross-border workers use this road daily to reach their workplace in Switzerland, with peak traffic during morning and evening rush hours. The works, which are expected to last around 18 months, may cause significant delays, with travel times potentially increasing by up to 30 minutes in some sections.

For example, cross-border workers living in Locarno and working in Lugano may see their daily commute increase from around 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes during the works. Similarly, cross-border workers living in Mendrisio and working in Chiasso may see their commute increase from around 30 minutes to 1 hour during the works.

It is essential that cross-border workers stay informed about the situation and plan their journeys in advance. The internal cantonal road is one of the main traffic arteries in the Canton Ticino, and the works may cause significant disruptions for those who use it daily.

Possible Solutions

To minimize disruptions, cross-border workers can consider the following options:

• Inform themselves about possible alternative routes and use secondary roads to avoid congested sections. For example, cross-border workers living in Locarno may consider using the cantonal road 2 to reach Lugano, although this may slightly increase travel times.
• Leave earlier to reach their destination on time. For example, cross-border workers working in Chiasso may consider leaving at least 30 minutes earlier than usual to reach work on time.
• Stay updated on traffic conditions and potential delays. The Ticino Cantonal Police provides real-time information on traffic conditions on their website and social media. Cross-border workers can also use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to receive real-time traffic information.

Additionally, cross-border workers may also consider using public transportation to reach work. The public transportation network in the Canton Ticino is extensive and connects all municipalities in the canton.

Inoltre, i lavoratori frontalieri possono anche considerare di utilizzare i mezzi pubblici per raggiungere il lavoro. La rete dei trasporti pubblici del Canton Ticino è estesa e collega tutti i comuni del canton.

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Key points

Cantonal 'internal' from Ascona to Porto Ronco, works (and inconveniences) ahead

Cross-border workers who commute daily may soon face inconveniences due to ongoing works along the cantonal road connecting Ascona to Porto Ronco. But what to do if you encounter a delay due to these works?

Checklist for cross-border workers in case of delay

1. Contact your employer: It's important to inform your employer about the delay and discuss possible solutions. For example, you might be able to reschedule a meeting or delegate some tasks to a colleague. 2. Check expense reimbursement: Cross-border workers can request reimbursement for travel expenses, such as train tickets or fuel costs. In Ticino, for instance, cross-border workers can claim a flat-rate indemnity of 30 Swiss francs per day for delays caused by public works, according to the law that came into effect on January 1, 2021. However, it's important to verify if your company has a specific policy regarding expense reimbursement. 3. Stay updated on traffic situation: Planning your trips in advance can help you avoid delays. Cross-border workers can use real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to get information on traffic conditions and possible alternative routes. 4. Consider using public transport: In case of frequent delays, cross-border workers might want to consider using public transport to get to work. For example, bus line 2 of the Mendrisiotto and Lower Ceresio Mobility connects Mendrisio to Lugano, passing through the municipalities of Balerna and Chiasso, where many cross-border workers cross the border.

Concrete examples of delays and costs

The ongoing works along the cantonal road connecting Ascona to Porto Ronco may cause significant delays for cross-border workers who use this road daily. For instance, according to data from the Canton of Ticino, traffic along this road has increased by 20% over the past five years, from around 15,000 vehicles per day in 2016 to over 18,000 vehicles per day in 2021. In case of ongoing works, cross-border workers might therefore face delays of more than 30 minutes.

Moreover, delays can have a significant impact on costs for cross-border workers. For example, a cross-border worker who commutes daily might spend around 100 Swiss francs per month on fuel, to which parking and meals outside the home should be added. In case of frequent delays, these costs could increase significantly.

Website tools

For further information and advice, consult the salary calculator and the guide for cross-border workers. Furthermore, we recommend following our next articles to stay updated on the latest news regarding the ongoing works along the cantonal road connecting Ascona to Porto Ronco and their potential impacts on cross-border workers.

Source: ilgiornaledelticino.ch