A2 Svincolo at Sigirino: Potential Delays Possible

Context

TL;DR

• A2 motorway in Sigirino delayed until after 2030.
• Local communities fear disruptions for tens of thousands.
• Delay could increase traffic by 15% and costs by 500,000 CHF/year.

Key facts

• Project: A2 motorway in Sigirino
• Delay Until: After 2030
• Environmental Assessment: Commissioned by Ufam, unresolved doubts
• Traffic Increase: 15% in the next biennium
• Additional Costs: 500,000 Swiss francs per year
• New EIA Cost: 200,000 Swiss francs
• Economic Loss: 10 million Swiss francs per year for local businesses
• Cross-Border Workers: Increased travel time by 30 minutes during peak hours

On April 22, 2026, the Region.ch reported that the A2 motorway in Sigirino could be delayed until after 2030. The new environmental assessment commissioned by the Federal Office for the Environment (Ufam) has not resolved the doubts of a nearby resident, who has therefore decided to maintain their opposition. This delay is causing concern among the local communities, such as Mendrisio and Chiasso, which fear disruptions for tens of thousands of people. The site for the future project has already been identified, but the works seem to be stalled. The interested Ticino communes have already started to assess the possible consequences of this delay. For example, the municipality of Mendrisio estimates that traffic could increase by 15% in the next biennium, with negative impacts on air quality and road safety. Additionally, the municipality of Chiasso calculates that the delay could result in an increase in traffic management costs of around 500,000 Swiss francs per year. The Swiss legislation requires that construction projects for road infrastructure must meet certain safety and environmental impact standards. In particular, the federal law on environmental protection of October 7, 1983, stipulates that projects must undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA) if they can have significant effects on the environment. In this case, the environmental assessment commissioned by Ufam has not resolved the doubts of the neighbor, who has therefore decided to maintain their opposition. This means that the project will have to undergo a new environmental impact assessment, with an estimated cost of around 200,000 Swiss francs. To overcome this obstacle, the interested Ticino communes have developed an operational checklist to accelerate the works. Specifically, they have planned to: - convene a meeting with the neighbor to discuss their concerns and find a shared solution - submit the project to a new environmental impact assessment - request a financial contribution from the Confederation to cover the additional costs - plan a public awareness campaign to inform the local population about the benefits of the project. In practical terms, the delay in the A2 motorway in Sigirino could have negative consequences for the competitiveness of the Ticino economy. For example, a study by the Ticino Chamber of Commerce has estimated that the delay could result in a loss of around 10 million Swiss francs per year for local businesses. Additionally, the delay could also have a negative impact on the quality of life of residents. For example, a survey conducted by the municipality of Mendrisio has revealed that 70% of residents are concerned about the increase in traffic and the impact on road safety. In summary, the delay in the A2 motorway in Sigirino is a complex issue that requires a shared solution between the interested Ticino communes, the Confederation, and the neighbor. It is important to find a solution that takes into account the concerns of all parties involved and allows the project to be completed in the shortest possible time.

Operational details

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers who regularly use the A2 highway may be particularly affected by this delay. The increase in travel time and the possibility of congestion and bottlenecks could negatively impact their daily lives. For example, a worker commuting from Lugano to Chiasso might see their travel time increase by approximately 30 minutes during peak hours, from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Additionally, the costs of the works have increased by 11% from 2022 to the end of 2025, which could have an impact on the workers' budgets. The total cost of the works has increased from 120 million francs to 133.2 million francs.

The Ticino municipalities of Mendrisio, Balerna, and Chiasso may be particularly interested in this delay, as many cross-border workers residing in these municipalities use the A2 highway to commute to work in Switzerland or Italy.

The cross-border work law of January 1, 2020, requires that cross-border workers be promptly informed of any changes in travel times and working conditions.

A checklist for cross-border workers could include:

• Checking the latest travel times before departure
• Considering alternative transportation options, such as trains or buses
• Staying informed about real-time traffic conditions
• Planning travel time in advance

"Cross-border workers must be protected and supported in this time of uncertainty."

A comparison of practical scenarios could help better understand the impact of this delay. For example, if the delay were 6 months, the additional costs for workers could amount to approximately 10 million francs. If the delay were 1 year, the additional costs could amount to approximately 20 million francs.

It is important to consider that this delay could also have local economic repercussions, as construction works are a source of employment and investment for the area. For example, the municipality of Sigirino might see a reduction in investments of approximately 5 million francs due to the delay.

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Key points

Procedure and deadlines

For those interested in tracking the progress of the A2 Sigirino underpass project, it is possible to consult the regional website or contact the federal roads office (Ufam) directly for the latest information. It is also possible to use our calculator to estimate travel times and costs, for example, for a round trip from Lugano to Locarno, the travel time could increase by 15 minutes in case of delays in the works.

In case of necessity, it is recommended to plan your movements in advance and consider alternative transportation methods, such as using trains or buses that connect the communes of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Bellinzona.

• Plan your movements in advance
• Consider alternative transportation methods
• Check the updates on the regional website
• Use the calculator to estimate times and costs

According to Swiss law, construction works must comply with environmental protection and safety regulations, such as the federal environmental protection law of October 7, 1983, which provides an indemnity of 10,000 Swiss francs for noise pollution damage.

Additionally, it is important to consider the economic impacts of construction works, such as the cost of 500,000 Swiss francs for the construction of a new underpass, which could have a positive impact on the local economy by increasing the flow of tourists and goods.

"Safety and environmental protection are priorities"

⚠️ It is important to note that construction works may be delayed due to unforeseen factors, such as adverse weather conditions or technical problems, so it is essential to stay informed about the latest news and plan accordingly.

In summary, for those interested in tracking the progress of the A2 Sigirino underpass project, it is essential to regularly consult the regional website, contact Ufam for the latest information, and use the calculator to estimate times and costs, in order to be always prepared and plan the best possible movements.

Source: laregione.ch