Lucerne bypass

Lucerne bypass – towards a solution of Lucerne’s traffic problems

02.10.08 - The national road A2 in the Lucerne region is reaching its capacity limits. An expansion should help to move towards a solution of Lucerne’s traffic problems.

The national road A2 in the Lucerne region is reaching its capacity limits. The Canton of Lucerne, together with neighbouring cantons and the Federal Government, is therefore now seeking to ensure the long-term capacity of the national road network in this area. The focus is on the expansion of the A2 by means of a motorway bypass. The current national road will be transformed into an urban motorway, thereby relieving the inner city of Lucerne of some of its traffic.

In a joint venture with other companies, and working closely together with the canton’s official bodies and the Federal Government, Ernst Basler + Partner carried out an assessment of expediency, involving the development and examination of a number of variants, including the expansion of the public transport offer. The most promising variants were examined for technical and environmental viability and the probable investment costs determined. They were then subjected to an in-depth assessment in respect of sustainability (by means of the standardised method "NISTRA" and cost-benefit analysis).

In addition to the classic activities involved in an assessment of expediency, the high level of complexity of the issues involved and the urgency of the deadline meant that several further aspects were also included, such as the question of tunnel safety, a hydrogeological feasibility clarification in accordance with environmental guidelines for the Grosshof/Nidfeld area, the environmental compatibility report (UVB) second stage specifications, the draft of the necessary planning zones and further considerations on the implementation and expansion of the supporting measures. A website was also developed in close cooperation with a PR agency, containing detailed information on all relevant aspects of the project.

The project is now with the Federal Government, with instructions from the cantons of Lucerne and Nidwalden to commission the General Project for the resultant best option for the bypass as quickly as possible. In spring/summer 2007 Ernst Basler + Partner directly undertook further sensitivity analyses for the Federal Government in order to provide even better support in deciding on the best option.

As part of the further development of the national road network project (WEN), further in-depth investigations are currently being undertaken, in particular into the possibility of staged implementation. The emphasis is on an initial construction of just a single tunnel.