Third tube of the Gubristtunnel is opened
The third tube of the Gubrist Tunnel has been opened. Federal Councillor Albert Rösti and Zurich's Director of Economic Affairs Carmen Walker Späh were among those who attended the opening ceremony. The two existing tubes are also to be renovated by the end of 2027.
Federal Councillor Albert Rösti opened the third tube of the Gubrist Tunnel on 3 July. “Functioning national roads relieve cities and villages of alternative traffic and enable economic growth and prosperity. The network must also be able to fulfil this task in the future,” said the Transport Minister at the opening ceremony, according to a statement from the Federal Roads Office(FEDRO). “Here we are building for the mobility of tomorrow.”
Zurich’s Director of Economic Affairs Carmen Walker Späh stressed the importance for the economic region. “With the opening of the third Gubri tube, traffic will flow much better in the direction of Bern and Lucerne – that is good for the nerves of motorists and for our national economy,” she was quoted as saying.
Zurich city councillor Michael Baumer pointed to the relief of traffic in Switzerland’s largest city. “It’s important that the infrastructure in and around the city can keep pace with population and economic growth, while relieving congestion in the city centre, so that efficient and sustainable mobility is possible for the whole population.”
The president of the Weiningen municipality, Mario Okle, praised the cooperation of the administrations involved. “The exchange with the cantonal and federal authorities has noticeably improved.”
Project planning for the third tube began in 2001. Construction of the tube started in 2016. A total of 1.55 billion Swiss francs will be invested in the construction of the new tube and the renovation of the two existing tubes. The renovation work will continue until the end of 2027. After that, the tunnel will have seven lanes.