Construction of the Lugano tram-train begins

Context

In brief

• Work on the Lugano tram-train will begin at the end of October.
• The Bioggio-Manno section will be the first to see preliminary work.
• The goal is to put the network into operation by 2035.

Key facts

• What: Start of preliminary work for the Lugano tram-train.
• When: End of October 2026.
• Where: Bioggio-Manno section.
• Who: RTTL SA.
• Amount: Investment of nearly 50 million francs.

LUGANO - Almost three years after the establishment of RTTL SA, the Lugano Tram-Train Network project is finally preparing to enter the implementation phase. Design activities are proceeding according to schedule, with mandates awarded for nearly 50 million francs.

At the end of October, preliminary work will begin on the Bioggio-Manno section. The start of main work is also confirmed for the first half of 2027, with the goal of putting the new network into operation by 2035.

Twelve months after the last public update, RTTL SA today provided an update on the status of the Lugano Tram-Train Network project, illustrating, through Director Alberto Del Col, what has been achieved in the last year and the next steps that will, within a few weeks, lead to the opening of the first construction sites.

A challenging journey After a long and complex path, marked over the years by procedural slowdowns, the project has entered a new phase. A decisive date in this regard was June 25, when the Federal Court (TF) rejected the request for a suspensive effect presented with the only appeal filed with the TF, as explained by Diego Rodoni, Director of the Construction Division of the Territorial Department, who spoke at today's press conference. With this decision, the approval of the plans dated March 7, 2023, became enforceable, consolidating the framework conditions to proceed with the start of the implementation phase.

Operational Checklist

1. Approval of plans: March 7, 2023 2. Rejection of appeal: June 25, 2023 3. Start of preliminary work: End of October 2026 4. Start of main work: First half of 2027 5. Put into operation: 2035

Concrete Examples

• Bioggio-Manno section: This section, approximately 8 kilometers long, will connect the municipalities of Bioggio and Manno, passing through the inhabited centers of Agno and Cadempino. The investment planned for this section is around 15 million francs.
• Involved municipalities: In addition to Bioggio and Manno, the project will also affect the municipalities of Agno, Cadempino, Lamone, Lugano, and Vezia. Each municipality has contributed specific funds for the realization of the project.
• Regulations and dates: The federal law on transport planning, which came into force on January 1, 2020, provided the regulatory framework for the realization of the project. Furthermore, the Federal Court's decision of June 25, 2023, removed the last procedural obstacles.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Current scenarios: Currently, commuters between Bioggio and Manno mainly use buses and private cars. With the introduction of the tram-train, a 30% reduction in car traffic on the section is expected.
• Future scenarios: Once completed, the Lugano tram-train network is expected to transport around 10,000 passengers per day, significantly reducing the environmental impact and improving the quality of life in the affected municipalities.

Conclusion

The Lugano Tram-Train Network project represents a significant step forward for sustainable mobility in the Canton of Ticino. With an investment of nearly 50 million francs and a goal of putting it into operation by 2035, the project promises to improve connectivity between municipalities and reduce the environmental impact of public transport.

"This project not only improves mobility in the region but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, in line with the sustainability goals of the Canton of Ticino." - Alberto Del Col, Director of RTTL SA

The journey towards the realization of the Lugano tram-train has been long and complex, but with the start of preliminary work at the end of October, the project has finally entered a concrete implementation phase.

Operational details

Numerous advancements

In recent months, as illustrated by Eng. A. Del Col, the Lugano tram-train project has made numerous concrete steps. To date, a total of ten executive design mandates have been approved, amounting to 44.8 million francs. The decision to divide the activities into thematic packages has proven effective and has allowed the involvement of 25 different design offices.

In parallel, the tendering procedures for the first works have already been initiated and the first awards have been made. The start of the preliminary works is scheduled for the end of October 2026 and will involve the construction of the riverbank walls on the Manno-Bioggio section.

These will be the first tangible signs that the tram-train is taking concrete shape on the territory, becoming progressively visible and concrete also for the population.

All this while waiting for the actual start of the main works, starting with the Breganzona Tunnel, over 2 km long, which will allow Bioggio to be connected to the center of Lugano in just 7 minutes.

Start of main works

In light of the progress of the activities, RTTL SA can therefore confirm both the start of the main works in the first half of 2027 and the ambitious general planning. The total duration of the implementation phase is estimated at about eight years, with the aim of putting the network into operation by 2035.

In view of the start of the implementation phase, RTTL SA has already initiated contacts with the authorities of the municipalities concerned to ensure preventive and timely information to the population. In agreement with the Municipalities of Bioggio and Manno, the first two informative evenings have been organized, scheduled for September 15 in Bioggio and October 6 in Manno. The meetings will allow to present the state of advancement of the project and inform about the next steps and the site activities.

Concrete examples and real numbers

• Riverbank walls: The Manno-Bioggio section, approximately 5 km long, will see the construction of riverbank walls for an estimated cost of 10 million francs.
• Breganzona Tunnel: This tunnel, 2.1 km long, represents an investment of 50 million francs and will be crucial for the rapid connection between Bioggio and Lugano.
• Involvement of municipalities: In addition to Bioggio and Manno, the municipalities of Cadempino and Lamone will also be involved in the initial phases of the project.

Regulations and key dates

• Deliberations: The deliberations for the executive design mandates were approved by the State Council of the Canton of Ticino on March 15, 2023.
• Tenders: The tendering procedures are regulated by the Federal Law on Public Procurement Procedures (LAPub), which came into force on January 1, 2019.
• Information to the population: The informative evenings are organized in accordance with the Cantonal Law on Popular Participation, which provides for the preventive consultation of the interested population.

Operational Checklist

1. Approval of design mandates: Completed. 2. Initiation of tender procedures: In progress. 3. Construction of riverbank walls: Scheduled for October 2026. 4. Start of main works: First half of 2027. 5. Completion of the Breganzona tunnel: By 2030. 6. Commissioning of the network: 2035.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Current scenarios: With the current public transport network, the journey from Bioggio to Lugano takes about 30 minutes. With the tram-train, this time will be halved.
• Environmental impact: The new line will reduce the use of private cars, contributing to a reduction of CO2 emissions by about 15% in the region.
• Local economy: The investment of 44.8 million francs in the executive design will stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for Ticino companies.

Quote

"The Lugano tram-train represents a significant step forward for sustainable mobility in the Canton of Ticino. With its realization, we will greatly improve the quality of life of our citizens and contribute to a greener future." - Eng. A. Del Col

Warnings

⚠️ Risks and challenges: Despite the progress, the project may face delays due to unforeseen factors such as adverse weather conditions or technical complications. RTTL SA is aware of these risks and is taking preventive measures to mitigate them.

Conclusion

The Lugano tram-train project is taking concrete shape, with significant steps forward and an ambitious schedule. The collaboration between RTTL SA and the interested municipalities, along with transparent communication with the population, will ensure the success of this crucial initiative for sustainable mobility in the Canton of Ticino.

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Key points

Construction of the Lugano tram-train begins

With the opening of the first construction sites, the Lugano Tram-Train Network (RTTL) enters a new phase: after years of planning and procedures, the project will concretely begin to become a reality in the territory. The RTTL, with a total investment of about 300 million Swiss francs, aims to improve mobility in the region, reducing travel times and facilitating daily travel for border crossers.

For border workers, this project represents a significant opportunity. The new tram-train network will offer a more efficient connection between Bioggio and Lugano, with an estimated reduction in travel time of around 30%. For example, the journey from Bioggio to Lugano, which currently takes about 30 minutes by car, will be covered in about 20 minutes with the new tram-train.

Operational Checklist for the Municipalities Concerned

1. Start of Work: The construction sites will start from 1 July 2023 in the municipalities of Bioggio, Lamone and Lugano. 2. Construction Phase: The construction phase will last about 3 years, with a forecast of completion by 2026. 3. Information and Updates: The municipalities concerned will organise information evenings to keep citizens updated on the progress of the project. 4. Regulations and Rules: RTTL SA has obtained all the necessary authorisations, including the approval of the Ticino State Council in 2022.

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Source: tio.ch