Paulina restarts: Gotthard second tunnel excavation resumes (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The mechanical drill Paulina has resumed excavation of the second Gotthard tunnel after a long pause.

Contesto

In brief - The Paulina tunnel boring machine resumed excavation on 18 May 2026 - The construction site had been halted since June 2025 due to a rock collapse - Complex procedure for resuming excavation in the Tremola zone ## Key facts - What: Resumption of excavation for the second Gotthard tunnel - When: 18 May 2026 - Where: Gotthard construction site, Airolo - Who: FEDRO (Federal Roads Office) - Amount: Not specified The Paulina tunnel boring machine resumed work at the second Gotthard tunnel construction site on 18 May 2026, after a break of nearly one year. The site had been halted since June 2025 due to a rock collapse that required securing the area. ### Resumption procedure To resume excavation under difficult geological conditions, FEDRO adopted a complex but safe procedure. A new connecting gallery approximately 250 metres long was built, reaching the main tunnel level at tunnel metre 443. From there, the upper half of the tunnel section was excavated using traditional methods in counter-advance towards the machine head. ### Implications for cross-border workers The resumption of work on the Gotthard tunnel is important news for cross-border workers who travel daily between Italy and Switzerland. The Gotthard tunnel is one of the main links between Ticino and the rest of Switzerland, and its upgrade could improve traffic flow and reduce travel times for commuters. ### Next steps The TBM is now proceeding with the excavation of the lower part of the tunnel, already prepared and secured by counter-advance. In parallel, starting from tunnel metre 443, the northern section of the Tremola zone was also excavated using traditional methods up to tunnel metre 742. From that point, the Paulina machine will resume, likely from September 2026, full-section excavation...

Dettagli operativi

Practical Analysis The resumption of work on the second tunnel at San Gottardo marks a significant step forward for cross-border mobility. For cross-border workers, this could mean potential improvements in traffic flow and infrastructure safety. ### Impact on Mobility The San Gottardo tunnel is one of the main transit routes for cross-border workers commuting between Italy and Switzerland. Upgrading this infrastructure could reduce travel times and enhance road safety, making daily commuting easier. ### Comparison with the Previous Situation Before the pause, excavation of the second San Gottardo tunnel had already faced several geological challenges. Resuming work with a safer, more controlled process could ensure greater stability and safety for workers and future tunnel users. ### Future Scenarios With the excavation resuming, the completion of the second San Gottardo tunnel is expected within the next few years. This infrastructure enhancement could positively impact the quality of life for cross-border workers by reducing travel times and improving connectivity between Ticino and the rest of Switzerland. ### Practical Considerations For cross-border workers, staying informed about project progress and any changes to traffic conditions is essential. The restart of excavation on the second San Gottardo tunnel is a positive sign for cross-border mobility, but monitoring future developments is crucial for planning travel arrangements effectively. ## Recommended tools For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Punti chiave

What to do now For cross-border commuters who regularly use the Gotthard tunnel, it is important to stay updated on the progress of the works and any changes to traffic conditions. Here are some practical steps to follow: ### Monitor updates Staying informed about the progress of the works and any changes to traffic conditions is essential for planning your journeys effectively. You can consult the official websites of the Swiss and Italian authorities for up-to-date information. ### Plan your trips With the resumption of works, it may be necessary to plan your trips more carefully. It is advisable to check the schedules and traffic conditions before setting off to avoid delays and inconveniences. ### Use support tools To facilitate trip planning, you can use tools such as the salary calculator to assess the costs and benefits of cross-border work. Additionally, it is useful to consult the practical guides available on the site for advice on how to best manage life as a cross-border commuter. ### Prepare for possible changes With the resumption of works, it may be necessary to adapt to new traffic conditions. It is important to be flexible and ready to modify your travel plans based on the needs of the construction site. ### Conclusion The resumption of works on the second Gotthard tunnel is positive news for cross-border commuters, who could benefit from improvements in traffic conditions and the safety of road infrastructure. Staying informed and planning trips carefully is essential to best manage this transition phase. Source: tio.ch

Punti chiave

[{"q":"When did the Paulina mechanical boring machine resume operations?","a":"The Paulina mechanical boring machine resumed excavation on May 18, 2026, after a pause of nearly one year due to a rock collapse."},{"q":"What procedure was adopted to resume excavation?","a":"The USTRA constructed a new connecting tunnel approximately 250 meters long, which reached the level of the main tunnel at gallery meter 443. From there, the upper half of the gallery section was excavated using traditional methods in a counter-advance toward the boring machine head."},{"q":"What are the implications for cross-border workers?","a":"The resumption of work on the Gotthard tunnel could improve traffic conditions and reduce travel times for cross-border workers commuting between Italy and Switzerland."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Paulina mechanical boring machine resume operations?
The Paulina mechanical boring machine resumed excavation on May 18, 2026, after a pause of nearly one year due to a rock collapse.
What procedure was adopted to resume excavation?
The USTRA constructed a new connecting tunnel approximately 250 meters long, which reached the level of the main tunnel at gallery meter 443. From there, the upper half of the gallery section was excavated using traditional methods in a counter-advance toward the boring machine head.
What are the implications for cross-border workers?
The resumption of work on the Gotthard tunnel could improve traffic conditions and reduce travel times for cross-border workers commuting between Italy and Switzerland.

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