Work on second Gotthard tunnel stops

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 06:30

Work on the second Gotthard Road Tunnel has come to a halt as engineers have hit unexpected rock conditions.

They say the rock is too unstable and there’s also a series of cavities – this means the boring machine can’t continue

A more old-fashioned method will have to be used for at least half a kilometre. That will involve drilling and blasting.

It will mean a delay of around 8 months and an extra CHF 20m.

Despite the problems, the Federal Roads Office, says the tunnel should still be ready in 2030 and it won’t exceed the overall budget of CHF 2bn.

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