Two localities sharing the colour orange

While many places are quiet at lunchtime, Göschenen actually becomes more animated: there is a constant flow of cars along the San Gottardo road and Göscheneralpstrasse, as the people working on the tunnel circulate between the Göschenen construction site, the engineering offices and the canteen. Others prefer to walk: greet each other, talk and get to know each other.

Since its opening in 2021, Breiti canteen has become an important meeting point in the area, frequented not only by miners and engineers, but also by locals and tour-ists.

The same is true of Airolo: on the southern slope of the Gotthard, orange – along with military green – is one of the most commonly seen workwear colours, while the white vehicles of the bosses and construction companies are a familiar sight on the road.

But what is the impact of such a large construction site on the communities on both sides of the St Gotthard tunnel? “The construction site brought around 500 people here,” explains Oscar Wolfisberg, mayor of Airolo. As the mayor, he knows how the locals feel. The locals, of which there are about 1,500, did notice changes due to the work, especially at the beginning. “We’ve become used to the new reality,” he explains. Although there are some downsides to the construction, there are also many plus points: “The benefits are clear: restaurants, hotels and local artisans benefit. Overall, the construction site for the second tube adds value to the area." A prime example are the restaurants, hotels and apartments that, thanks to the construction site, are well frequented, even off-season.”

In the interview, Oscar Wolfisberg explains that the changes arising from the construction site have not always been so tangible. At the beginning, in the planning phase, although the commune was already heavily involved, everything was still relatively quiet for the population. With the arrival of the first machines, things changed rapidly: in the early years of construction, the site grew steadily and everything kept changing. “The Valbianca car park was demolished, the Madrano sports field reconverted and several construction site installations have been set up between the tunnel entrance and the station.” Things have calmed down again since excavation by mechanical milling cutter began.

Peter Tresch, who was mayor of Göschenen until the end of March 2026, offers a broader historical retrospective and recalls how the area has been used to welcoming visitors for centuries; first were the travellers and miners and then tunnel workers and people working on the trains. “Göschenen is used to welcoming newcomers,” he says. “That’s why we’re a diverse community.” The area experiences periods of intense activity on the construction sites alternating with quieter periods: “From the days of Favre and the St Gotthard miners in the 19th century, to the construction of power stations from the 1940s, to the first road tunnel in the 1970s.”

Several hundred people currently work on the site, many of whom live in or around Göschenen. Many of them have already gained experience in other large excavation projects and are therefore used to these realities, as Tresch points out. They felt at ease here, integrating quickly into the community. “They liven the place up, add vitality and say hello when passing by: this is important for the people.” He adds: “They are an integral part of our traditions. Many miners attend carnival, the funfair and the music festival.” This creates a valuable social network.

While most of the inhabitants of Göschenen and Airolo appreciate the presence of guests, the construction site grows unabated. The opening of the second tube is planned for 2030, followed by the renovation of the first. After that, the workers will leave, and a new period of calm will begin in Göschenen and Airolo. Peter Tresch looks ahead: “In the coming years, we will have to decide what comes next for our area.” What will remain will surely be the encounters, relationships and memories left by these people.