Mendrisio-Melano, MeMe project to reduce highway noise (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• MeMe Project for acoustic rehabilitation of A2 between Mendrisio and Melano
• Design publication until 13 October in the municipalities of Val Mara and Mendrisio
• Interventions on asphalt, noise barriers and treatment of stormwater
• Work start expected as soon as possible from 2031

Key facts

Project: MeMe Section: A2 between Mendrisio and Melano Publication deadline: 13 October Promoting authority: Federal Roads Office (USTRA) Work start: from 2031 (optimistic scenario) Mentioned cost: 100 million francs

The Federal Roads Office (USTRA) has made official the publication of the design for the MeMe project, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that concerns the section of the A2 motorway located between Mendrisio and Melano. The document can be consulted in the municipalities of Val Mara and Mendrisio until 13 October. The primary objective of the intervention is the acoustic rehabilitation of a section where the noise limit values are currently exceeded, particularly between the Lenaccio area and the Orto il gelso area.

Technical details of the interventions

The plan foresees the use of sound-absorbing pavement and the adjustment of the existing noise barriers. To reduce acoustic impact, the existing protections will be raised by about 2 meters through the installation of glass walls. In addition to acoustic aspects, the MeMe project includes the construction of three new facilities for stormwater treatment, located respectively at the height of Sovaglia, next to the Lenaccio viaducts and in the Campaccio area.

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Operational details

Implications for cross-border commuting

The stretch of A2 between Mendrisio and Melano represents a key axis for thousands of workers who cross the border each day to reach their workplaces in the Canton of Ticino. Any structural intervention on this segment directly affects the quality of life and traffic flow for those holding a G permit and traveling these roads. Although the goal is noise reduction, carrying out work of such magnitude inevitably involves a transition phase that cross-border workers will have to manage.

Timing analysis and alternatives

A critical fact emerges from the timelines communicated by USTRA: the works, in the best case, may begin from 2031. This means that for the coming years the current situation will remain unchanged. Moreover, the MeMe project is defined as a temporary measure. USTRA has in fact specified that the possibility of tunnelling the entire motorway segment in the future is not excluded, although such an operation would not occur before 2055.

For the cross‑border worker planning their movements, this means that the current sound‑recovery solution is the only concrete short‑ and medium‑term answer to prevent the population and those passing through from being exposed to noise levels above those specified by the OIF. The temporary nature of the project suggests that the infrastructure will continue to evolve, but the timeframe for more radical changes (such as the tunnel) is extremely far away.

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Key points

Transit management and operational steps

For cross‑border workers who commute daily between Mendrisio and Melano, it is essential to monitor the evolution of the MeMe project, especially ahead of the future construction phase. Although work is not expected to start before 2031, planning traffic flows during the adaptation of emergency lanes and the laying of sound‑absorbing asphalt will be crucial to avoid delays at the border crossings and along the A2.

What to do and how to monitor

Those interested in technical details or wishing to provide feedback on the project design can visit the municipalities of Val Mara and Mendrisio by the deadline of 13 October. This is the official public consultation window. After this phase, the project will move into subsequent technical planning and final approval stages before actual execution.

For cross‑border workers, attention will shift to mobility management. Ahead of future road works, it is advisable to assess the impact such interventions could have on travel times. Those traveling the A2 towards the Brogeda or Chiasso border crossings may need to manage flow changes caused by construction. It is therefore useful to keep a constant update on transport infrastructure in Canton Ticino to optimize daily movements.

Tools for financial organization

In addition to traffic management, the cross‑border worker must carefully plan their budget in relation to commuting costs and tax management. Since the road infrastructure is the only means to reach the workplace, optimizing transport expenses is a priority. To calculate accurately net income and evaluate withholding tax incidence, digital tools can be used. For an accurate simulation of paychecks and living costs, we recommend using the calculator to better define the monthly budget.

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