Vote Switzerland: Ticker for motorway expansion

The Federal Council and Parliament want to eliminate bottlenecks in the national road network. Left-green organizations and parties took action against the next planned step Referendum, under the leadership of the Swiss Transport Club (VCS). In view of climate change, they believe it is wrong to expand the highways.

What projects are we talking about?

The planned expansion projects cover several heavily trafficked sections of the national road network. These are to be expanded gradually until 2041.

Specifically, it involves six projects in five cantons:

• A1 near Bern: At the Grauholz service area, the motorway is to be expanded from the current six to eight lanes. Between Schönbühl and Kirchberg it is to be expanded from four to six. In addition, noise protection should be improved.

• Rosenbergtunnel St. Gallen: A third tube is to be built here.

• Fäsenstaubtunnel in Schaffhausen: The tunnel is to be doubled to four lanes in order to cope with the growing traffic on the A4.

• Near Basel, the planned Rhine tunnel on the A2 between the Wiese and Hagnau junctions is intended to relieve traffic on the motorway.

• In western Switzerland, the motorway between Nyon and Geneva is to be widened from four to six lanes over a length of 19 kilometers.

How much do the new motorway sections cost?

The cost of building these projects is 4.9 billion francs. In addition, there is around 500 million for planning that the federal government has already spent. The project is financed via the National Roads and Agglomeration Transport Fund (NAF). The fund receives income from the mineral oil tax surcharge, the motorway vignette and the automobile tax.

How are the parties positioning themselves?

The SVP, FDP and Center support the proposal for motorway expansion. The business associations also join the committee of supporters. SP, Greens and GLP are fighting the proposal – together with environmental organizations.

What are the arguments of the proponents?

Proponents argue that congestion hinders mobility, harms the economy and causes costs. More highway lanes would improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Safety is also an important argument for supporters: bottlenecks lead to more accidents, they say.

If traffic builds up on the highways, cars and trucks would also divert into cities, villages and neighborhoods. The expansion could reduce alternative traffic. This would improve the quality of life in rural areas. The expansion of the road network also contributes to better accessibility to rural regions.

What are the arguments of the opponents?

The opponents argue with climate protection: In view of the climate crisis, it is untenable to invest so much money in highway expansion. Road traffic is the largest source of CO2 in Switzerland. In addition, the expansion would result in the loss of over 400,000 square meters of agricultural and green space. The asphalting of Switzerland would continue.

Opponents also question the benefits: In their view, the expansion would not solve the traffic problems. Opponents cite studies that show expanding roads leads to even more traffic. Opponents say that the Federal Council and Parliament have lost their sense of proportion when it comes to motorway expansion. Public transport should be promoted instead of car traffic.

Considering the environmental impact of expanding highways, what specific measures do you think should be implemented to mitigate⁣ these effects, and who​ should ⁢be responsible for their​ implementation?

## Interview Guide – Swiss Highway Expansion Debate

**Introduction:**

We’re going to discuss a current topic in Switzerland: the planned expansion of National⁣ Highways. This is a complex issue with strong arguments on both sides. I want to hear your thoughts ‌on the various aspects of this project.

**Section 1: The Need for Expansion:**

* Do you believe Switzerland’s national⁤ road network is experiencing ⁤significant bottlenecks? Why or why not?

* What are the⁤ potential economic consequences of not expanding the highways?

* How might the expansion impact the quality of life in rural areas?

**Section‌ 2: Environmental Concerns:**

*⁣ ‌ What ​are your⁤ thoughts⁢ on the environmental impact of expanding the highway network?

* Do you agree that prioritizing public transportation over highway expansion is a more sustainable solution?

* How⁢ can we‍ balance the need for infrastructure‌ development with the need to protect our environment?

**Section 3: Cost and Funding:**

* Is expanding the highway network a worthwhile investment, considering ⁤the estimated cost of 4.9 billion francs?

* What are your thoughts on the funding⁤ mechanisms for this project, such as the mineral‍ oil tax surcharge ‍and motorway vignette?

* Should alternative funding ‌sources be⁤ explored, and if ‌so,⁤ which ones?

**Section 4: Public ‍Opinion and Decision-Making:**

* How do you think the Swiss public feels about this highway expansion⁣ project?

* Do you think the debate surrounding this issue is sufficiently nuanced and informed?

* What role should public opinion play in the decision-making process for major infrastructure projects like this?

**Section 5: Looking Forward:**

* What⁣ do you think ⁤the long-term consequences⁢ of this decision ⁤will be for Switzerland?

* Are ​there any alternative transportation solutions that you ‌think deserve more ⁤attention?

* What message would ⁣you like to‍ send⁢ to the Swiss government regarding this issue?

**Closing:**

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on ⁢this important topic. It’s clear​ that ​this is a ‍complex issue with no easy answers.

**Note**:​ Remember to encourage your interviewee​ to elaborate ‌on their answers and provide examples to support their views. It’s important to create a space where different perspectives can be shared ​respectfully.