Switzerland’s biggest bottleneck is fighting its way out
Every day, 120,000 vehicles queue through one of Switzerland’s busiest tunnels. For decades, the Gubrist Tunnel near Zurich was a symbol of the failure of transport planning. Now, with the completion of a multi-billion construction project in sight, the picture is changing. What once seemed unthinkable is now within reach.
The Zurich Northern Bypass on the A1/A4 between Weiningen and Regensdorf is one of the busiest stretches of road in Switzerland. Up to 7,000 vehicles per hour pass through the tunnel every day. Anyone who commutes here regularly is familiar with the routine. Traffic jams on 350 days a year. Almost every day, not just occasionally.
Three tubes as a systemic solution
The solution had long been known, but implementation took time. With the construction of a third tube, the federal government launched an expansion and refurbishment programme to completely renovate the tunnel from the ground up. In the summer of 2023, the new three-lane tube opened in the direction of Bern, Basel and Lucerne. The effect was measurable: daily traffic in this direction rose immediately by ten per cent.
Refurbishment whilst the tunnel remained open
Whilst the third tube was handling traffic, the second was completely refurbished. At the end of November 2025, it reopened to traffic heading towards St Gallen and Zurich Airport. Work on the first tunnel began immediately afterwards. The Federal Roads Office is coordinating a project that involves refurbishment whilst the tunnel remains in operation. There is no margin for error.
End of 2027 as the target date
From the end of 2027, all three tubes will be in operation simultaneously for the first time. There will then be four lanes available towards St. Gallen and three towards Bern and Lucerne. The total cost amounts to 1.55 billion Swiss francs. Given the cost to the economy of daily traffic jams, every franc invested is well worth it. Through time lost, missed delivery deadlines and increased fuel consumption alone, this bottleneck wipes out millions in economic output every day. The investment is long overdue.
Switzerland keeps moving
By the end of 2027, the Gubrist Tunnel will be fully renovated, modernised and brought up to the latest tunnel safety standards. The construction site will be a thing of the past.
It is the backbone of Switzerland’s road network. Every day, 120,000 vehicles pass through it, including commuters, freight transport and business travellers from across the country. Every traffic jam here costs the economy millions. Every smooth journey saves them. With three fully operational tubes, a chronic bottleneck will be transformed into an efficient corridor. Switzerland keeps moving.
Text: Karin Ibach • Image: courtesy of the publisher