New Axenstrasse in Canton Schwyz: work begins

Context

In brief

• New 3 km gallery in Canton Schwyz
• Completion expected by 2033
• Total cost of 1.2 billion francs
• Replaces the current road exposed to landslides

Key facts

• What: New Axenstrasse gallery
• When: Completion expected in 2033
• Where: Canton Schwyz, along Lake of the Four Cantons
• Who: Canton Schwyz and Confederation
• Amount: 1.2 billion francs

Canton Schwyz has started work on a new gallery along the Axenstrasse, a strategic road that runs along Lake of the Four Cantons. The new gallery, nearly 3 kilometers long, will replace the current road, which is increasingly exposed to landslides and bad weather. The completion of the work is expected by 2033, with a total estimated cost of 1.2 billion francs, most of which will be covered by the Confederation.

To symbolically kick off the work was Nina Christen, Olympic shooting champion from Schwyz, who activated the first blast of the excavation. André Rüegsegger, State Councilor of Canton Schwyz, explained that the current road is no longer safe due to bad weather and falling material, making the construction of the new gallery necessary.

The new Axenstrasse is part of a larger project that also includes the 4.4-kilometer-long Sisikon tunnel. This intervention is crucial to improve the safety and usability of the road, which is one of the main communication routes in the region.

Impact on mobility

The new gallery will not only improve safety but also contribute to reducing travel times and ensuring greater traffic stability, especially during adverse weather conditions. For cross-border workers who use this road to travel between Canton Ticino and Canton Schwyz, the new Axenstrasse will represent a significant improvement in travel quality.

Comparison with the current situation

Currently, the Axenstrasse is subject to frequent closures due to landslides and falling rocks, especially during the rainy season. The new gallery, being underground, will be less exposed to these natural risks, ensuring greater traffic continuity. Furthermore, the new infrastructure will be equipped with modern monitoring and safety technologies, further reducing closure times for maintenance.

For cross-border workers who work in Canton Schwyz and reside in Canton Ticino, the new Axenstrasse will offer a safer and more reliable alternative to the current road. This infrastructural improvement is particularly important for those who use this route daily to get to work, especially during bad weather.

Procedure and deadlines

Work on the new Axenstrasse has begun and is expected to continue until 2033. During this period, some partial closures of the current road will be necessary to allow excavation and construction operations to take place. The Schwyz authorities have assured that alternative traffic plans will be implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters and cross-border workers.

For further information on the work and any road closures, you can consult the official website of Canton Schwyz or contact the competent offices to receive real-time updates.

Operational details

Practical Analysis: Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The new Axenstrasse represents an important opportunity for cross-border workers who commute to the Canton of Schwyz from the Canton of Ticino. Safety and practicality of the road are fundamental aspects for those who need to travel daily between the two cantons. The new tunnel will not only reduce travel times but also ensure greater safety during the journey.

Comparison with the Current Situation

Currently, the Axenstrasse is subject to frequent closures due to landslides and rockfalls, especially during the rainy season. The new tunnel, being underground, will be less exposed to these natural risks, ensuring greater continuity of traffic. Furthermore, the new infrastructure will be equipped with modern monitoring and safety technologies, further reducing closure times for maintenance.

Concrete Scenarios

For cross-border workers who work in the Canton of Schwyz and reside in the Canton of Ticino, the new Axenstrasse will offer a safer and more reliable alternative compared to the current road. This infrastructural improvement is particularly important for those who use this route daily to commute to work, especially during periods of bad weather.

Concrete Procedures

Work on the new Axenstrasse has begun and is expected to last until 2033. During this period, some partial closures of the current road will be necessary to allow excavation and construction operations to be carried out. The Schwyz authorities have assured that alternative traffic plans will be implemented to minimize inconvenience for commuters and cross-border workers.

Useful Tools

To best plan their movements during the works, cross-border workers can use the traffic calculator to monitor road conditions and receive real-time updates. Additionally, the work calendar can be consulted to know the dates of scheduled closures and organize their movements accordingly.

Comparison with Other Infrastructures

The new Axenstrasse is not the only infrastructure undergoing improvement in the Canton of Schwyz. The Lucomagno road, between Disentis and Curaglia, is also undergoing work for the construction of the Las Ruinas tunnel, which is 490 meters long. This tunnel will replace a section at risk of rockfalls and other natural events, characterized by poor visibility. The tunnel will be inaugurated in 2029 and will cost 32 million francs.

Economic Impact

The investment of 1.2 billion francs for the new Axenstrasse represents a significant contribution to the safety and practicality of road infrastructure in the region. This infrastructural improvement will not only benefit cross-border workers but will also help strengthen the local economy, facilitating the transport of goods and people.

Conclusion

The new Axenstrasse represents a fundamental step to improve the safety and practicality of road infrastructure in the Canton of Schwyz. For cross-border workers who commute in this region, the new tunnel will offer a safer and more reliable alternative compared to the current road, ensuring greater continuity of traffic and reducing travel times.

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Key points

Concrete actions for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who use the Axenstrasse daily, it's important to stay informed about ongoing work and potential road closures. Here are some concrete actions that can be taken to minimize disruptions during construction:

1. Monitor road conditions: Use the traffic calculator to receive real-time updates on road conditions and plan your trips accordingly. 2. Consult the work calendar: Check the work calendar to know the dates of scheduled closures and organize your trips accordingly. 3. Plan alternative routes: In case of road closures, plan alternative routes using the route comparator to find the most efficient routes. 4. Learn about safety procedures: Visit the official website of the Canton of Schwyz for information on safety procedures and alternative traffic plans. 5. Use public transportation: In case of prolonged road closures, consider using public transportation to travel between the Canton of Ticino and the Canton of Schwyz.

Useful tools

To best plan your trips during construction, cross-border workers can use the traffic calculator to monitor road conditions and receive real-time updates. Additionally, you can consult the work calendar to know the dates of scheduled closures and organize your trips accordingly.

Conclusion

The new Axenstrasse represents a fundamental step to improve the safety and usability of road infrastructure in the Canton of Schwyz. For cross-border workers who work in this region, the new tunnel will offer a safer and more reliable alternative to the current road, ensuring greater traffic continuity and reducing travel times. By using the available tools and carefully planning your trips, cross-border workers can minimize disruptions during construction and benefit from the infrastructure improvements.

For more information and to use the traffic calculator, visit the official website of the Canton of Schwyz or contact the competent authorities.

Source: rsi.ch