Future-oriented infrastructure planning in the canton of Zurich

The starting point for the study is provided by the EBP Trend Report: important challenges of the future with regard to mobility, infrastructure and administration are derived, and especially uncertain developments in the areas of ‘living’ and ‘prosperity’ are translated into four scenarios which are associated with different mobility requirements.
In order to assess whether the Canton of Zurich is equipped for fundamental change, various events are applied to these scenarios:

• Oil-based products become scarce
• Substantially fewer resources for the road infrastructure
• Switzerland is isolated within Europe
• The ‘energy problem’ is solved

The various effects are examined on the basis of those aims and principles from structure plans and overall transport concept that are relevant to the project. Are the developments in the various scenarios in line with the basic principles, and would they be stable should a major event arise? Scenarios 1. ‘Compact centres’ and 3. ‘Density points’ are shown to be more in line with the cantonal structure plans and better satisfy the future mobility requirements, in particular given changed outline conditions.

A comprehensive action plan is produced on the basis of the analyses undertaken. This indicates 16 measures specifying possible preventive measures to prevent undesirable developments and adaptation strategies for possible changes in the Canton of Zurich. Research projects should be analysed in greater depth in the light of issues brought to light during the course of the Project.