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The region

The region

The construction of the second tunnel affects the surrounding region, the Uri Oberland and the Leventina Valley. Although the project’s environmental compatibility has been demonstrated, unavoidable impacts remain. Appropriate environmental protection measures to enhance habitats and landscapes in the region will offset these impacts.

Göscheneralp landscape development

FEDRO and the Canton of Uri are realising a landscape development project on the northern side of the Gotthard tunnel. This includes adapting the terrain of the Göscheneralp valley (e.g. clearing and mowing overgrown dry meadows), restoring dry stone walls and improving watercourses.

Rewilding of Lake Uri

Around 3.5 million tonnes of rock material from the excavation of the second tube will be transported by train to Flüelen, where it will be used to rewild the shallow water zone in Lake Uri. Rewilding is the process of restoring a natural habitat to its original state.

New landscaping at Airolo

The redesign of the Airolo junction will significantly enhance the landscape. Around 1.9 million tonnes of excavated material from the southern end of the tunnel will be used to cover the motorway with green areas and to landscape the area. A new connection between the village of Airolo and the right-hand side of the valley is also planned, and the Albinengo viaduct is to be dismantled. The rewilding of the valley floor will create new green spaces and zones for leisure activities.

Combining infrastructure

The construction of the second tube has several positive knock-on effects. For example, Swissgrid's extra-high-voltage line, currently running as an overhead line over the Gotthard Pass, can be integrated into the construction project. The overhead line will be dismantled and the surrounding area rewilded.