Construction of the Lugano tram-train begins (cross-border guide)

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.

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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.

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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