Infrastructure planning protects Magadino plain
The Magadino Plain in the canton of Ticino is a transportation hub, supply hub and unique natural landscape all in one. Around a third of the plain is protected as a moorland landscape of national importance. In order to reconcile the protection of this sensitive environment with future rail, road and power grid projects, the federal government and the canton of Ticino have jointly developed a coordinated plan. The Federal Office for Spatial Development published the report on August 8, 2025.
Located between Bellinzona and Locarno, the Magadino plain has been heavily influenced by infrastructure development for decades. Planned projects, from the modernization of the rail network to the reorganization of the power supply, require close coordination in order to minimize the impact on the valuable landscape. A working group headed by the ARE and involving federal offices, the canton of Ticino and Swissgrid has drawn up binding guidelines for this.
Bundled infrastructure instead of individual projects
One key result is the decision to relocate the All’Acqua-Vallemaggia-Magadino high-voltage overhead line underground in the moorland area. The Magadino substation will be reduced in size as part of a renovation project. For the double-track expansion of the railroad between Contone and Tenero, SBB is examining options for bundling with new power lines. The planned rail link for the direct connection of the Gotthard and Ceneri base tunnels, which crosses the Magadino plain, is also part of the overarching planning.
Road project integrated into the overall strategy
The federal government has been responsible for the heavily congested A13 between Bellinzona-Sud and Locarno since 2020. The new route will be integrated into the sectoral transport plan and closely coordinated with the other projects. At the same time, a strategic review is being carried out as part of the “Transport ’45” study.
Model for sustainable spatial planning
The approach in the Magadino Plain is considered a prime example of how national infrastructure goals and nature conservation can be reconciled. The close coordination of energy, rail and road construction projects is intended to minimize interventions, exploit synergies and protect the unique landscape in the long term.