Moscia-Acapulco tunnel: 180 million for the road network (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Moscia-Acapulco tunnel project in consultation
• Investment of CHF 180 million
• Redevelopment of the coastal road

Key Facts

• What: Moscia-Acapulco tunnel project and redevelopment of coastal road
• When: From September 14 to October 13, 2023
• Where: Municipalities of Ascona and Ronco sopra Ascona
• Who: Department of the territory (DT)
• Amount: CHF 180 million

The Moscia-Acapulco road tunnel project, located in the municipalities of Ascona and Ronco sopra Ascona, has entered the phase of informing and participating the population. From 14 September to 13 October 2023, it will be possible to consult the documentation at the municipal chancelleries of Ascona, Brissago, Locarno, Muralto and Ronco sopra Ascona. The proposal to amend the master plan provides for the tunnel to be brought from the consolidation level 'Preliminary information' to 'Acquired data', thus establishing the planning basis for the subsequent phases of the project.

The Project

The Moscia-Acapulco tunnel is a strategic project of the Locarno Road Plan (PVL). The Ascona-Brissago cantonal road is used by about 12,000 vehicles a day, with peaks of more than 18,000 in the summer months. The stretch of Via Moscia, about 1.5 kilometers long, has tight curves and small caliber, making intersections difficult, especially for buses and heavy vehicles. In addition to these critical issues, there is the residual risk of rockfalls and landslides, which have already caused prolonged closures in the past, and the absence of continuous and safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Operational details

Implications for Cross-Border Commuters

The Moscia-Acapulco tunnel project and the redevelopment of the coastal road will have a significant impact on the lives of cross-border commuters who travel the Ascona-Brissago cantonal road on a daily basis. The reduction of traffic and the creation of safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists will improve the quality of life and safety of road users.

Improved Security

The single-tube, bidirectional traffic tunnel, about 1,500 meters long, with three escape tunnels and modern operation and safety facilities, will ensure safer transit for cross-border commuters. The coastal road, downgraded to a residential road with a limit of 30 km/h, will maintain a predominantly local function, ensuring the transit of neighbors, public transport as well as pedestrians and cyclists.

Environmental Redevelopment

The redevelopment of the coastal road will involve traffic calming interventions, a multipurpose strip on the lake side to improve the pedestrian walkway, a new pavement and a more attentive arrangement to the quality of the landscape. These interventions will contribute to better air quality and a significant reduction in noise for residents and users, thus improving the livability of the area.

Excavated Material Management

The management of the excavated material will be carried out through conveyor belts and transport by lake, with an intermediate deposit in the area of the mouth of the Maggia in Locarno. The environmental redevelopment project of the banks, promoted by the Municipality of Muralto, represents a possible final destination for the material, with the creation of more natural shores and habitats favorable to fish fauna.

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Key points

Actions for Cross-border Commuters

For cross-border commuters interested in the Moscia-Acapulco tunnel project and the redevelopment of the coastal road, it is important to participate in the public consultation. The project documentation will be available for consultation at the municipal chancelleries of Ascona, Brissago, Locarno, Muralto and Ronco sopra Ascona during the usual opening hours. Comments can be submitted within the deadlines indicated in the respective official notices.

Consultation Procedure

During the filing period, from 14 September to 13 October 2023, the project documentation will be available for consultation. Comments can be submitted within the deadlines indicated in the respective official notices. The active participation of cross-border commuters is crucial to ensure that their needs and concerns are taken into account during the planning phase.

Useful Tools

To learn more about the implications of the project and the consultation procedures, cross-border commuters can use the tools available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. The calcolatore fiscale can be useful to better understand the financial implications of the project and the consultation procedures.

Conclusion

The Moscia-Acapulco tunnel project and the redevelopment of the coastal road represent a significant investment in improving the viability and quality of life of cross-border commuters. Active participation in the public consultation is crucial to ensure that the needs and concerns of cross-border commuters are taken into account during the planning phase. For more information and useful tools, cross-border commuters can visit the Frontaliere Ticino website and use calcolatore fiscale to better understand the implications of the project.

Source: ticinonews.ch