The Swiss Vote on Highway Expansion: A Battle Between Progress and Preservation
On November 24, Swiss voters will decide on the expansion of the country’s highways. Proponents argue that it will lead to smoother traffic flow, while opponents fear that it will only result in more congestion and noise.
The Key Points
- The traffic on the national highway network has significantly increased, with over 48,000 hours of congestion recorded by the Federal Roads Office (Astra) last year, a 22% rise from the previous year.
- The proposed expansion aims to alleviate these bottlenecks. The Parliament approved the 2023 expansion package, including five ready-to-build projects and an additional one in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, totaling around five billion Swiss francs.
The Proposal in Detail
The 2023 expansion plan targets five specific sections, such as widening the A1 between Wankdorf and Schönbühl in the canton of Bern to eight lanes and between Schönbühl and Kirchberg to six lanes. These heavily congested areas frequently experience traffic jams and detours.
Additionally, a third tube will be added to the busy Rosenbergtunnel in St. Gallen to ease traffic, along with a feeder connection near the former freight yard to divert traffic from Appenzell through urban streets.
Other projects include the construction of the Rheintunnel in Basel to relieve the A2’s east bypass and a second tube for the Fäsenstaubtunnel in Schaffhausen to separate traffic directions. The Parliament also included the A1 expansion from Le Vengeron via Coppet to Nyon to six lanes, costing around one billion francs.
Financing and Impact
- These projects will be funded through the National Road and Agglomeration Traffic Fund (NAF), approved by voters in 2017 and financed by users through measures like the fuel tax, highway vignette, and vehicle tax.
- The NAF supports the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the highway network, with a planned investment of about 12 billion francs by 2030. The funds are earmarked for specific purposes.
Arguments For and Against
Opponents’ Perspective
- Critics argue that highway expansion encourages more traffic, exacerbates CO2 emissions, and contributes to noise pollution, impacting over a million Swiss residents already affected by excessive noise levels.
- They also raise concerns about land use issues, including habitat destruction and urban sprawl, advocating for greater emphasis on public transport and cycling infrastructure.
Supporters’ Viewpoint
- Advocates claim that the expansions will enhance traffic safety, reduce congestion, and cut down on the estimated 1.2 billion francs in annual economic costs caused by congested highways.
- They argue that well-functioning highways boost safety, compensate for agricultural land use, and do not strain the federal budget, as they are financed through the NAF.
Conclusion
The upcoming vote on highway expansion in Switzerland reflects a broader global debate on balancing infrastructure development with environmental concerns. While both sides present valid arguments, the decision will have far-reaching implications for the country’s transportation future.
FAQ
What is the National Road and Agglomeration Traffic Fund (NAF)?
The NAF is a financing mechanism for Swiss road infrastructure, funded by users through various taxes and fees, dedicated to supporting the maintenance, operation, and expansion of the national highway network.
How will the highway expansion impact traffic congestion?
Proponents believe that the expansions will alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow, while opponents argue that it will only lead to temporary relief, with increased traffic volumes in the long run.