2023-09-11 18:59:51
By Le Figaro with AFP
Published 9 hours ago, Updated now
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This major crossing point between the North and the South of Switzerland and Europe has been closed since Sunday afternoon due to a crack.
The Gotthard road tunnel, one of the main crossing points between the north and south of Switzerland and Europe, could reopen by the end of the week, according to the Federal Minister of Transport. “The Gotthard will be open again by the end of the week at the latest», assured Albert Rösti on public radio SRF.
The tunnel has been closed in both directions since Sunday afternoon. The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) decided to ban all traffic after the appearance of a crack in the ceiling and the falling of pieces of concrete. The crack extends over 25 meters, 700 meters after the north portal, FEDRO specified in a press release. Road traffic – thousands of vehicles every day including many trucks – is therefore diverted by the San Bernardino road as well as the Gotthard Pass road.
The work began on Monday.to if possible reopen the tunnel by the end of the week», confirmed OFROU. The “false ceiling” of the structure, which houses the ventilation system, must be demolished and replaced over 25 meters. This includes ensuring ventilation in the section concerned. A “challenge», according to OFROU.
Crucial crossing point for the transport of goods
The Office explains that the damage is due to voltage changes in the mountain. These would have led to local changes in pressure and caused the intermediate ceiling to crack and pieces of concrete to fall.
The road tunnel is some 16.9 kilometers long and is a crucial crossing point for the transport of goods. This closure comes as one of the tubes of the Gotthard base rail tunnel has also been closed for a month, after a freight train derailed.
The train damaged the track over a distance of 7 km, causing “immense damage», according to the Federal Railways (CFF). SBB does not yet make any forecasts on the duration of the repair work. However, the railway company estimates that partial operation is possible from the beginning of 2024 for passenger transport. The other tube of the base tunnel, as well as the so-called summit tunnel are still accessible for trains.
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