Media centre
Would you like to report on the construction of the second Gotthard tunnel or obtain more in-depth information?
Here you can find a comprehensive selection of press releases, high-resolution images and background information on the project. Whether for reporting or further research – all relevant content is available here.
For specific enquiries or additional information, please contact our media contact, Eugenio Sapia.
Frequently asked questions
The existing tube needs to be upgraded in order to guarantee the functionality and safety of the Gotthard road tunnel. Because the works are so extensive, the tunnel needs to be completely closed. On 27 June 2012, the Federal Council decided that a second tunnel tube should be constructed and the existing tube refurbished, with no increase in capacity. This was approved by voters at the ballot box on 28 February 2016.
Construction of the second tunnel will take around 10 years. It is scheduled to open in 2030.
CHF 2.14 billion has been earmarked for the construction of the second Gotthard tunnel tube (estimate +/-15% incl. VAT).
Currently, 1,000 passenger car units per hour and direction are permitted to travel through the Gotthard road tunnel. Paragraph 3, Article 84 of the Federal Constitution (article on the Protection of the Alps) stipulates that transit road capacity in the Alpine region may not be increased. Specific provisions regarding a second tube are set out in the Federal Act on Transit Road Traffic in the Alpine Region, which also stipulates that the capacity of the tunnel system may not be increased. Only one lane may be operated in each tube; if only one tube is open to traffic, one lane in each direction may be used in this tube. The law also states that there must also be a system to regulate the number of heavy goods vehicles in the tunnel.
Like most construction sites, the construction of the second tube has an impact on nature and the surrounding area. For example, trees have to be cleared, dust, noise and vibrations are generated and the towns of Göschenen and Airolo are heavily affected by the construction work. Further impacts are mainly caused by the large construction site areas and the large amount of space required for the temporary and permanent disposal of the excavated material. Measures are being implemented to offset these effects. These include the upgrading of the valley floor in Airolo and the ecological upgrading of the Göscheneralptal.
Photo gallery
In the photo gallery you will find a selection of high-resoluation photos of the construction of the second Gotthard tunnel tube. The images may be used for editorial purposes provided the source is acknowledged. Please note that all image rights remain with the Federal Roads Office FEDRO. Commercial use of the images is not permitted.
Press releases
You can download the press release on the project here.
The Federal Roads Office FEDRO is at your disposal for any further questions. Members of the media are requested to contact the dedicated contact person, Eugenio Sapia, directly.
Information magazines
The Federal Roads Office FEDRO regularly informs the public about the status of work at the two construction sites in Göschenen and Airolo for the construction of the second Gotthard road tunnel. All the information magazines published to date can be found on this page.