Transport infrastructure planning process in Canton Zurich. With examples of planning infrastructure in the Dübendorf-Hinwil corridor – NSL – Network City and Landscape

Arnor B. Elvarsson, Bryan T. Adey
2024
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This report examines how transport infrastructure, such as roads and railways, is planned in the canton of Zurich from the perspective of the stakeholders responsible for shaping planning outcomes, eg the offices of the Federal Road and Transport.

This is important because the presence and quality of transport infrastructure affects how easily and safely people can travel and how efficiently goods can be transported. The effectiveness of infrastructure to fulfill its purpose depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of planning processes. This report discusses how the planning process could be improved, with a particular focus on the Swiss canton of Zürich. Mapping and discussion of the design centers and procedures explains which stakeholder groups are involved and how they work together. Based on a critical review of the process, viable approaches are provided for improving the design process. This includes using a variety of data sources and comprehensive analytical and decision making tools. Mapping this planning process in Switzerland is new and could contribute to a more efficient and effective planning decision-making process in Switzerland and to a wide range of institutions involved in the process. ‘Effective planning’ would achieve the desired outcomes to a high degree and ‘effective planning’ would achieve the desired outcomes efficiently in terms of the time and/or effort required. to achieve it.