immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Mobility

  • Cities warn against technocratic transport policy

    Cities warn against technocratic transport policy

    The Swiss Association of Cities recognizes the attempt to present coordinated planning following the political turbulence surrounding the freeway expansion and the financial bottlenecks for the railroads. At the same time, it criticizes the narrow circle of those involved. Although cities and municipalities were represented in the support group, they were not involved enough in the content of the planning, even though they directly bear the consequences of infrastructure decisions.

    The results are surprising. In the view of many cities, the postponement of important public transport projects in Basel and the deprioritization of the Bern East bypass contradict spatial planning priorities. In some cases, the logic of short-term capacity expansions overrides the long-term principles of sustainable development.

    Paradigm shift required
    A key point of the ETH analysis, namely that new infrastructure alone hardly brings any additional benefits, has so far been largely ignored in the public debate. The intelligent use of existing systems through digitalization, operational optimization and multimodal linking is crucial.

    For the association of cities, this results in a clear mandate for action. A transport policy of the future must place greater emphasis on steering and pricing instruments such as mobility pricing, incentive systems for efficient use and consistent cost transparency. “Traffic 45” provides little basis for this.

    Target vision instead of staged thinking
    The association warns that political decisions should not be based solely on the ETH report. Instead, the discussion about mobility and space 2050 should be conducted on a broad, interdisciplinary basis. This should involve the cantons, cities, municipalities and the scientific community. This is the only way to prevent existing hierarchies between road and rail projects from becoming entrenched.

    Financing with open flanks
    The report also outlines an area of tension in financial terms. The rail infrastructure fund is not sufficient for the planned expansions. The Association of Cities welcomes the variant with an additional CHF 24 billion, but warns against cost-cutting measures in the BIF and NAF. Without reliable funding, there is a risk of a strategic standstill in rail expansion.

    Broad debate instead of fast-track procedure
    The consultation draft by January 2026 envisaged by Federal Councillor Rösti is considered too ambitious by the cities. It is hardly realistic to seriously involve the affected agglomerations within a few weeks.

    The “Transport 45” report can be seen as a milestone for national infrastructure planning, but only if it is followed by an open, scientifically sound debate on mobility, space and climate targets that is anchored in the local community.

  • Green light for railway extension between Zurich and Winterthur

    Green light for railway extension between Zurich and Winterthur

    According to a press release, the Federal Office of Transport has granted planning permission for the expansion of the link between Zurich and Winterthur. A nine-kilometre double-track tunnel is to be built for this purpose, which will be reached in the south with two access routes from Bassersdorf and Dietlikon. In the north, it ends at Tössmühle in Winterthur. At the same time, the railway stations in Winterthur-Töss, Dietlikon, Bassersdorf and Wallisellen are to be rebuilt and extended.

    The expansion will widen the current bottleneck through Effretikon and Kemptthal to four tracks throughout. This will shorten journey times and expand the range of regional connections in particular.

    The costs are estimated at CHF 3.3 billion in 2014 prices. The expansion is part of the 2035 railway expansion phase approved by the Federal Parliament in 2019.

    The planning approval can be appealed to the Federal Administrative Court within 30 days. Otherwise, SBB can determine the definitive expansion programme and start the preparatory work at the beginning of 2026.

  • Federal Council plans next expansion of transport infrastructure

    Federal Council plans next expansion of transport infrastructure

    The Federal Council is preparing the next expansion of rail, road and agglomeration transport. It has instructed the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications(DETEC) to prepare a consultation draft for a first expansion phase in 2027 by the end of June 2026, the Federal Council announced in a press release. DETEC will base its work on an ETH report commissioned by the Federal Council. In this report, the university sets out which projects should be realised as a matter of urgency over the next 20 years from a technical perspective.

    By the end of January 2026, DETEC is also to draw up a proposal based on the report as to which transport infrastructure projects should be implemented by 2045. Additional revenue must be generated in the railway sector. The existing financial framework will be maintained for road expansion and the agglomeration transport programme.

    “The prioritisation by ETH Zurich and the subsequent political decision by the Federal Council should ensure an orderly, financially viable and holistically coordinated development of transport infrastructure by 2045,” the press release states. The Federal Council is sticking to a staggered expansion programme when determining the expansion stages. The consultation proposal for the first expansion phase in 2027 is intended to bundle all planned measures for rail, road and urban transport. At the same time as its presentation, the Federal Council intends to provide an outlook for the further expansion stages in 2031 and 2035.

  • Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Parking was a marginal topic for a long time. Today, it is seen as the key to optimizing the value of properties. This is because outdoor spaces, once pure infrastructure, are becoming strategic earnings factors thanks to digital technology. “Parking space is no longer a necessary evil, but an integral part of the value chain,” says Jakob Bodenmüller, CEO of Wemolo. His company operates over 3,500 locations across Europe with 2.5 million parking transactions every day and sees an industry that is reinventing itself.

    1.Free-flow technology, the farewell to the barrier
    Cameras instead of barriers with license plate recognition enable parking management without physical barriers, ticket loss or maintenance costs. User vehicles are digitally identified and authorized users park automatically. This reduces operating costs by up to 60 percent while improving the customer experience.

    Mixed-use districts benefit in particular. Retailers, service providers and residents can manage spaces as required, for example on a time-limited or quota-based basis. Third-party parkers are automatically recognized and sanctioned. According to Wemolo, their share drops by up to 85 percent within the first few months.

    2.Shared parking – new sources of revenue through cooperation
    What is a supermarket during the day can become a residential area at night. Shared parking uses free time slots in private spaces and opens them up to third parties in a controlled manner. Supermarkets, office buildings or retail parks can generate additional revenue of up to 80 euros per parking space per month without any structural investment.

    The model is a liberating blow for cities. Around a third of inner-city traffic is caused by the search for a parking space. If private parking space can be managed digitally, traffic volumes can be reduced and space efficiency increased. “We orchestrate instead of opening up and control always remains with the operator,” emphasizes Dominic Winkler

    3.E-mobility as a business model
    Charging points are not only a regulatory obligation, but also a revenue driver. Those who charge stay longer, a measurable advantage for retailers. Studies show that every additional minute of charging extends the length of stay and increases sales by over one percent.

    By linking e-mobility and smart parking, charging infrastructure can be dynamically controlled, priced or offered as a premium service. Integration into the parking management system significantly reduces costs and at the same time boosts the ESG performance of a property.

    4.Parking Intelligence uses data as a management tool
    Parking data becomes corporate intelligence. Automatically recorded key figures provide information on occupancy, dwell time, customer frequency and seasonal patterns. Facility and asset managers can use this information to adapt rental models, optimize personnel planning or develop targeted marketing strategies.

    For the first time, Parking Intelligence creates a data-based foundation for location decisions. This turns parking space into a mirror of actual asset performance, making it measurable, comparable and controllable.

    5.AI space monitoring, from parking space to portfolio sensor
    The next stage of digitalization lies above the asphalt. 360-degree cameras and AI analytics monitor outdoor areas in real time, detect garbage, vandalism or snow and automatically report service tickets to facility managers.

    This drastically reduces monitoring costs, maintenance contracts are evaluated objectively and standards can be managed centrally. This is a particular advantage for portfolios with hundreds of locations. The first operators are already testing how monitoring data can also be used to optimize locations.

    Parking space as a new asset
    The future of the real estate industry no longer lies just in buildings, but in front of them. Expo Real 2025 showed that thinking digitally about parking space changes the business model of a property.

    “The challenge is not to be aware of trends, but to implement them,” says Bodenmüller. Parking management is becoming the interface between mobility, ESG and value creation. A dynamic market in which standing still is finally a thing of the past.

  • Lukmanierstrasse receives new bridge at Stgegia

    Lukmanierstrasse receives new bridge at Stgegia

    The Civil Engineering Office of the Canton of Graubünden is carrying out extensive roadworks on the Stgegia section of the Lukmanierstrasse. The Stgegia bridge on the Lukmanier Pass has also been renewed. The project was carried out by the construction company STRABAG from Schlieren under the direction of site manager Carina Bessel.

    For the extensive renovation of the bridge, which is located directly next to the Santa Maria arch dam at an altitude of 1900 metres, the carriageway had to be completely closed for a total of three nights, STRABAG reported in a press release on the project. The team from the Schlieren-based construction company first removed one side of the bridge and set up a temporary temporary bridge. Specialists from the three STRABAG divisions of Specialised Civil Engineering, Timber Construction and Civil Engineering worked together on the construction site.

    The location of the construction site is described in the press release as a particular challenge. In addition to confined spaces and steep slopes, high temperature fluctuations of up to 20 degrees Celsius within one shift are mentioned. However, the construction site offered “a fantastic backdrop”, writes STRABAG. In addition, the team was regularly visited by a curious herd of goats.

    “I am very proud of the team,” construction manager Carina Bessel is quoted as saying in the press release. “The colleagues have achieved remarkable things under challenging conditions and have driven the project forward with great commitment, creating a structure that will last for many years to come.”

  • Autonomous shuttle buses reach new test phase at the airport

    Autonomous shuttle buses reach new test phase at the airport

    The pilot project for autonomous shuttle buses at Zurich Airport has entered a new phase. According to a press release, the project has reached automation level 3. This means that airport employees can use the buses for their commute between the airport head (Gate 101) and the maintenance depot (Gate 130). There are security drivers on board the buses who can intervene in the event of a problem. So far, the buses have travelled without passengers in an initial test phase.

    The current success is due to the co-operation between several airport departments and the technology partner WeRide. Preparations included setting up a new IT infrastructure, hundreds of test drives and a large number of technical checks. In addition to training, regulatory requirements and technical processes were also optimised.

    In a further phase, journeys are carried out without a safety driver using a remote cockpit. If these journeys without passengers are successful, the buses could then also drive autonomously without a driver. “We assume that we will be able to carry out the first tests with remote monitoring and without a safety driver by the end of the year at the earliest,” says Raphaël Glaesener, Senior Innovation Manager at Flughafen Zürich AG, in the press release. If successful, Zurich Airport would be the first in Europe with autonomous driving on its premises.

  • Dwindling interest in electric cars in Switzerland

    Dwindling interest in electric cars in Switzerland

    Based on the results of the third AXA Mobility Survey,AXA Switzerland warns that dwindling interest in electric cars could jeopardise the mobility turnaround. According to a statement from the insurance company headquartered in Winterthur, the figures generally give reason to speak of a trend reversal for the automotive market: Between 2023 and 2025, the proportion of those planning to buy a car rose by 12 per cent to 34 per cent. At the same time, only 24 per cent are considering an electric car; in 2023, this was an option for 34 per cent. The underlying representative survey was conducted in May 2025 in cooperation with the Sotomo research institute in Zurich.

    According to the study, electric mobility is currently rejected by 30 per cent of respondents, compared to 25 per cent in 2023. The growing reservations relate to range, price and charging options. According to the press release, the used car market for e-cars continues to lag behind that for combustion engines. The reasons for this are concerns about the condition of the battery and the rapid pace of technological development. At the same time, the reputation of electric cars has fallen by 9 per cent in the past year. “Despite these obvious difficulties in getting electric cars accepted, only a minority of 38 per cent are still in favour of greater political support for the drive technology,” Sotomo Director Michael Hermann is quoted as saying.

    Regardless of the drive technology, AXA is observing that German makes are the undisputed leaders in the wake of the upturn in the automotive market; Chinese makes, particularly BYD, are catching up. Electric cars from the USA are losing popularity.

    The survey also asked what the population thinks of autonomous driving: Scepticism prevails here, mainly due to safety concerns and possible cyber attacks. The majority of car owners are concerned about the misuse of their vehicle data, according to the survey.

  • First fast-charging station for electric cars opened in Adelboden

    First fast-charging station for electric cars opened in Adelboden

    Adelboden now has its first direct current fast-charging station for electric cars. According to a press release, the station at Licht- und Wasserwerk Adelboden AG(LWA) at Dorfstrasse 36 has a capacity of 50 to 100 kilowatts. This means that electric cars can be charged within 30 to 60 minutes. LWA now offers a total of 20 public charging points at six locations in Adelboden.

    LWA sees the fast charging station as a milestone for sustainable mobility in Adelboden. “Every charging break is an invitation to explore Adelboden’s village centre,” says Pascal von Allmen, Managing Director of LWA, in the press release. This benefits not only car drivers, but also local businesses.

  • Swiss freight metro is on ice

    Swiss freight metro is on ice

    The Cargo sous terrain(CST) underground freight transportation system has failed in its previously planned form. The private company Cargo sous terrain AG writes in a press release that its implementation is not economically viable at the present time. Private financing of the construction phase would require a different legal framework. The key is to embed the metro in an overall logistics system and to establish stable partnerships with the federal government, cantons and cities.

    According to CST, the technical and structural feasibility of the project has been proven. The plans for the underground logistics system with fine distribution in cities were confirmed as part of an independent review in spring 2025. It is now up to the authorities to proceed on this basis.

    CST remains in dialogue, but is shifting its focus: the company now wants to advise national and international organizations on urban logistics issues. In this context, CST must reduce costs and also cut ten jobs. According to the press release, CEO Christoph Späth deeply regrets this step. However, by restructuring, CST is setting the course for a sustainable future.

    “We do not currently have the resources to continue the organization with its current focus and are therefore adapting to the realities of the situation,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Marco Rosso. It will take time until CST is firmly anchored in transport policy and can mobilize long-term investments.

    The plans for the freight metro had envisaged an underground network from Geneva to St. Gallen and from Basel to Lucerne with a branch from Bern to Thun. The first section of the freight metro from Härkingen to Zurich was originally scheduled to go into operation in 2031.

  • Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Fast charging of batteries reaches new milestone

    Designwerk Technologies AG, based in Winterthur, has achieved a charging capacity of over 1 megawatt in a fast-charging test of a lorry battery under real-life conditions. This success means that fast charging of large batteries for electric lorries is now a reality and the hurdle for long-distance transport has been overcome, according to a press release.

    The test took place under real-life conditions at the depot of the motorway VI service area in Oberbüren. A peak output of 1140 kilowatts was achieved. This is 8 per cent more than the specification of 1050 kilowatts. It took 42 minutes to fully charge a 1000-kilowatt battery from 10 to 80 per cent. With this charge, a 40-tonne electric truck can cover a distance of more than 500 kilometres. The required charging time is within the time frame of legally prescribed breaks for the driver.

    “Thanks to Mega Charging, a 40-tonne truck charges as quickly as an electric car – only with significantly more power,” Niels Ross, Project Manager Charging Technology at Designwerk, is quoted as saying in the press release. “This is the key to electrifying heavy goods transport.”

    The use of electric trucks can save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year. In Switzerland, registrations of battery-electric trucks rose by 41.2 per cent in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the press release.

  • Modernization boosts urban mobility in Zurich

    Modernization boosts urban mobility in Zurich

    The Rigiblick funicular is currently being modernized and is due to resume operations in the autumn. In addition to the new vehicles, which have been jointly developed by Verkehrsbetriebe Zürich, Garaventa, Milani Design and CWA, new train ropes will also be in use. Fatzer AG, based in Romanshorn, manufactured and delivered the high-performance ropes. They have now also been installed, according to a statement from the BRUGG Group, to which Fatzer belongs.

    The two 32-millimetre-thick hauling ropes are each 480 meters long and weigh 1.9 tons. “With around 160 journeys per day and a travel time of just two minutes without stopping, the strain on the ropes is high. The high level of stress requires the highest material quality in order to ensure reliable operation with maximum safety,” reads the press release on the train ropes of the “symbol of urban mobility and quality of life”, which is also part of Zurich’s cultural heritage.

    The Performa rope from Fatzer has been specially developed for urban applications. The rope features plastic profiles between the strands, creating an “almost cylindrical surface structure”. This significantly reduces vibrations and noise. The company also points out the durability of the ropes.

  • New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    New tower approved for Zurich Airport

    The current tower was put into operation together with Dock A in 1985 and has reached the end of its service life after almost 40 years. The new tower is being built to the north of the existing site and will provide air traffic controllers with an optimized overview of ground and air traffic. Functionality, sustainability and workplace quality will be raised to a new level.

    Part of a major project
    The construction of the new tower is closely linked to the replacement construction of Dock A. Both projects were submitted by Flughafen Zürich AG 2023 and examined in a joint procedure. While the tower has now been approved in a partial decision, the process for the new Dock A is still ongoing. Until its completion, the tower will initially be operated as an independent building.

    Focus on sustainability
    The project is being led by architects Bjarke Ingels Group and is based on a construction method using wood as the main material. The roof of the new dock will be fully equipped with photovoltaics and is expected to cover up to two thirds of the electricity requirements. With an investment volume of around 700 million Swiss francs, the new Dock A replacement building is one of the most important infrastructure projects of the coming years.

    Objections and outlook
    Several objections to the project have been received, including from affected municipalities. According to DETEC, however, the construction itself will not lead to additional aircraft noise. On the contrary, emissions in the surrounding area could even decrease. Construction of the tower is scheduled to start in 2027 and the new Dock A is not expected to open before 2030. A third of all passengers at Zurich Airport use Dock A, so its renewal is seen as central to airport operations in the future.

    With the new tower and Dock A, Zurich Airport is focusing on a sustainable and functional infrastructure that meets the increasing demands of air traffic and environmental protection. The project combines high-tech air traffic control with modern building culture, a strong signal for the future of Swiss air traffic.

  • Track construction and modernisation at Speicher station

    Track construction and modernisation at Speicher station

    According to a press release, the Dietiker construction company Walo Bertschinger AG is contributing its many years of experience in track construction in the municipality of Speicher. Construction work is underway there to remodel the railway station. Walo is carrying out the track and points work to optimise the track systems for smooth rail traffic. According to the information provided, Walo is helping “to ensure that railway lines remain sustainable, safe and reliable so that the mobility of today and tomorrow is guaranteed”.

    The construction work is expected to last until mid-September 2025 and will include the creation of comfortable and barrier-free platforms, new surfaces and drainage systems for greater safety and durability. The lighting and equipment are also to be modernised for a pleasant station experience.

    The municipality of Speicher in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden is pursuing plans for greater sustainability. These include the increased use of renewable energies, energy-efficient construction and environmentally friendly mobility. The railway station renovation is also one of the sustainability projects in Speicher. The municipality is endeavouring to equip it with LED lighting, ecological materials and barrier-free access. The aim is to create a climate-friendly and modern public transport system.

  • Pilot project for intelligent automated mobility is progressing

    Pilot project for intelligent automated mobility is progressing

    The Swiss Transit Lab(STL) from Schaffhausen, the cantons of Zurich and Aargau and SBB have started the mapping phase of the intelligent automated mobility (iamo) pilot project. With the creation of a digital map of the region, the use of self-driving vehicles in the Furttal is being prepared, according to a press release. Before the service can be used in the Furttal, a training phase and a test phase will be carried out following the mapping.

    As part of the project, the project partners want to make automated vehicles available to travellers and find out how this could further develop public transport in the future. Two electric cars equipped with WeRide technology are now on the road in the Furttal valley for the first time. However, these are still being driven by a driver for the time being.

    During the mapping phase, the roads in the pilot area are now being travelled manually. The vehicle sensors record the surroundings and create a digital map that will contain more information than a classic navigation map. In addition to real-time images, the map will provide the basis for the safe navigation of self-driving vehicles in the future. As soon as this phase has been completed and the exceptional authorisation for automated driving has been granted by the Federal Roads Office(FEDRO), the training and test phase will follow. The vehicles will learn the traffic rules and typical situations in the pilot area and then drive automatically, initially under the supervision of a safety driver.

    The public launch of the vehicles is scheduled for the first half of 2026. Up to four passenger cars can then be ordered for a fee via an app and take passengers from a defined stop to another stop in the pilot region. Various measures are intended to ensure data protection and data security. The fleet is also to be expanded to include minibuses in future.

  • Lucerne is building a public network of charging stations

    Lucerne is building a public network of charging stations

    A public network of around 30 charging stations for electric cars is to be created in Lucerne by 2035. According to a press release, the focus will be on charging in neighbourhoods. To this end, the city will provide third-party providers with public land and the basic infrastructure, including network access, in return for a concession fee. It intends to refinance its investment of CHF 960,000 through the concession fees in line with the polluter-pays principle.

    By 2040, all vehicles registered in the city of Lucerne are to be electric or powered by renewable energy. In order to achieve this goal of the climate and energy strategy, the city of Lucerne and Energie Wasser Luzern(ewl) launched the Green Zones pilot project in April 2024. As part of this, the first public charging stations were installed on Bergstrasse and Eichmattstrasse. The city describes the experience of the five-year project as “consistently positive”.

    The measures are part of the overall concept for renewable drives in mobility. It was developed by the Zurich-based consulting and engineering company EBP Switzerland on behalf of the city of Lucerne. The scope of the concept also includes funding programmes for basic and charging infrastructure, which will be financed from the city of Lucerne’s energy fund, or that only emission-free taxis will be granted operating licences from 2033. In addition, parking permits for long-term parking on public land will only be issued for emission-free vehicles from 2040.

  • Infrastructure planning protects Magadino plain

    Infrastructure planning protects Magadino plain

    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.

  • Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Intelligent mobility for public transport in Bogotá

    Schindler is the sole supplier of lifts and escalators for Line 1 of the new elevated railway system in Bogotá. The metro line will use fully automated, driverless railway systems to provide modern, reliable local transport in the Colombian capital. The Schindler systems will therefore be customised to meet the special requirements of public transport, the company announced in a press release. The lifts will be equipped with easily accessible control buttons to enable barrier-free access to the stations.

    The Schindler Technical Operations Centre (TOC) in Medellín will monitor each lift and escalator remotely around the clock. The Schindler ActionBoard will also provide real-time status reports of all lifts and escalators, helping to optimise uptime and ride quality for passengers.

    “We are incredibly proud to be part of this historic project with our lifts and escalators,” said Vikén Martarian, responsible for the Americas and Escalators region, in the press release. “Bogotá will become more accessible for the people who live, work and visit the capital. Thanks to our lifts and escalators, they will be able to move around the metro stations more easily and comfortably.”

    From 2028, Line 1 of the Bogotá Metro will be the first metro line in the Colombian capital to transport over 1 million passengers a day. The line comprises 16 stations over a length of 23.9 kilometres.

  • School routes become safer with coloured pencil pillars

    School routes become safer with coloured pencil pillars

    Habidom wants to make routes to school safer. The manufacturer of road signals and markings, founded in 2001 and based in Aveleda in northern Portugal, has now also launched a special marking for school routes.

    The markings separate the road from the pavement like normal posts. However, they are in the shape of coloured pencils and thus make a playful reference to school. They are intended to signal to drivers that they should pay attention to the behaviour of children near the road.

    The pillars are made of flexible material, which reduces the risk of injury to children in the event of an accident. In addition to Portugal, Habidom’s coloured pencils for the road are already being used in Ireland, Belgium, Croatia and Austria.

    According to a press release from the company, Milvignes was the first municipality in Switzerland to install the coloured posts on its school routes, including near schools in Auvernier and Colombier and at the railway station.

  • Digitised road network for the district of Horgen

    Digitised road network for the district of Horgen

    From mid-July 2025, iNovitas from Baden will be mapping the streets in the district of Horgen. The company is creating a three-dimensional digital image of the public road network, according to a press release. The data obtained from the model is intended to form a basis for the areas of administration, utilities management and planning. The digital image reduces the time and effort required for inspection trips and inspections and should therefore provide an efficient organisation for maintenance and planning directly from the office.

    The municipal and cantonal roads of Adliswil, Kilchberg, Langnau am Albis, Rüschlikon, Thalwil and Oberrieden will be digitised. The municipality of Horgen had already commissioned iNovitas to carry out this work at an earlier stage. The data is recorded exclusively on public roads. According to the press release, people and number plates are anonymised, thereby protecting personal rights. The captured image and geodata is provided via the web-based infra3D platform and is only available to authorised specialists or administrative bodies with the appropriate authorisation.

  • Government council plans infrastructure boost in Glattal

    Government council plans infrastructure boost in Glattal

    The Glattal is one of the most dynamic development regions in the canton of Zurich, strategically located between Zurich, Winterthur and the international airport. The cantonal government is now proposing a total package totalling CHF 543 million to the cantonal council in order to strengthen the infrastructure in a targeted manner. Plans include the extension of the Glattalbahn railway to the Steinacker area, a main cycle link to Bassersdorf and flood protection measures on the Altbach.

    Mobility and environmental boost for the airport region
    The combination of railway expansion, cycling infrastructure and water protection addresses several key objectives of the cantonal development plan. The extended Glattalbahn railway will provide better connections to the industrial area of Kloten, while the main cycle link will create an environmentally friendly alternative for commuters. At the same time, the planned flood defences will protect the population and critical infrastructure such as the airport from natural hazards.

    Efficient implementation through synergies
    The close proximity of the three sub-projects requires joint planning and therefore offers ideal conditions for efficient implementation. Construction time, costs and disruption can be reduced by bundling the construction phases. Construction is scheduled to start in mid-2027 and will take around five years.

    Cost sharing by the federal government and municipalities
    Although the project volume totals CHF 543 million, the canton is only expected to contribute around CHF 290 million itself. The federal government is contributing up to 40 % to the railway and cycle path, and between 35 and 45 % to flood protection. Value-added contributions from the city of Kloten and private investors are also planned.

    Clear decision despite municipal rejection
    Although two municipal proposals for the development of the Steinacker area were rejected by the people of Kloten in 2024, the Glattalbahn itself was not part of this vote. Following a comprehensive review, the government council nevertheless considers the existing project to be the most appropriate solution, both economically and in terms of transport and spatial planning.

  • Aircraft manufacturing headquarters to be extensively modernised and condensed

    Aircraft manufacturing headquarters to be extensively modernised and condensed

    The aircraft manufacturer Pilatus is planning to modernise its headquarters in Stans. According to a press release, the buildings, some of which are very outdated and energy inefficient, are to be comprehensively reconstructed. The production and administration areas will also be densified with new buildings. The architectural structure will be adapted to the landscape conditions. The vertical construction method will make better use of the space without the buildings exceeding heights of 32, 36 or 56 metres.

    According to the company, the buildings will follow the principles of sustainability and comply with international standards (LEED). Recycled concrete and local timber will be used. All buildings are subject to high energy standards. Large-scale photovoltaic systems will ensure that the building produces its own electricity.

    With this comprehensive renovation, Pilatus is showing its commitment to the Stans site and to the well-being of its 2,500 employees. Their environmentally friendly journey to work by public transport will be subsidised with financial support of up to CHF 1,000 per year, according to the press release.

    On 26 November 2025, the population of Stans will be able to decide on an amendment to the land use plan.

  • Green light for cargo sous terrain

    Green light for cargo sous terrain

    With the Federal Council’s sectoral plan decision, the innovative Cargo sous terrain freight transport system is officially anchored in spatial planning for the first time. The privately initiated project will transport goods through an underground tunnel system from the Swiss Plateau to the cities. This will be done around the clock, with low emissions and independently of road traffic.

    The basis for this is the Federal Act on the Underground Transport of Goods (UGüTG), which came into force in 2022. It enables companies like CST to plan and implement such systems under clear legal conditions.

    First stage between Härkingen and Zurich defined
    The federal government has now defined the spatial planning corridor for the first section from Härkingen to Zurich in the newly inserted part of the sectoral transport plan. The planned locations for the logistics hubs are also spatially localised in the plan. The plan thus creates planning and legal certainty for all levels involved, from the federal government to the cantons and municipalities.

    Critical points will be incorporated into further development
    The cantons and municipalities affected were able to express their opinions during a consultation in the first half of 2024. Issues discussed included the impact on groundwater, the volume of traffic at the hubs and the handling of excavated material from tunnelling. The feedback will be integrated into the further development of the sectoral plan. According to the federal government, there are no contradictions with existing structure plans.

    Important step on the way to the construction permit
    The entry in the sectoral plan fulfils a key requirement for the subsequent construction permit. Further authorisation and approval procedures are still to come, but the current decision significantly strengthens the feasibility of the overall project.

    Paving the way for a new logistics era
    With the sectoral plan decision, the Federal Council is sending a clear signal in favour of sustainable and innovative infrastructure development. Cargo sous terrain could revolutionise freight transport in Switzerland in the long term – underground, quiet and space-saving. The spatial planning framework is in place, now the next stage of implementation begins.

  • Trèfle-Blanc the 400 million euro project gets underway

    Trèfle-Blanc the 400 million euro project gets underway

    The question of the actual costs of the Trèfle Blanc project caused speculation in the run-up to the project. Estimates ranged from 275 to 400 million francs. Now the Geneva government is providing clarity with the submission of a comprehensive investment bill. The initial discrepancy is not the result of a change of plan or “salami-slicing”, but of the detailed breakdown of the various funding sources and project phases.

    Initially, a credit of CHF 275.5 million will be submitted to the Grand Council for approval. This sum primarily covers the construction of two ice rinks (232 million), supplemented by costs for outdoor facilities (7.9 million), the tram connection (over 9 million), contingencies (9.3 million) and inflation (8.3 million). If this loan is approved by parliament, it could still be subject to a referendum if necessary.

    However, this sum does not represent the total costs for the canton, as CHF 17 million has already been spent on preliminary studies. This means that the total costs borne by the state to date already amount to CHF 293 million.

    Why it is 400 million
    The confusion surrounding the CHF 400 million is cleared up when the park-and-ride car park is included. This car park, whose construction will begin before the rest of the infrastructure, will provide 928 parking spaces for cars and 244 for motorbikes. It will cost an estimated CHF 99 million, a sum that is not directly requested by parliament. It will be financed by the Car Park Foundation, an autonomous public-law institution, which will borrow 75 million francs with the approval of the state, while the rest will come from its own funds. The repayment of this loan is secured in the long term by the income from the P R.

    The financing architecture
    It is essential to add this CHF 99 million to the total cost of the Trèfle Blanc project. Regardless of the source of financing used, this is public money, as the car park foundation is part of the public sector, similar to the Geneva utilities or the Geneva University Hospitals. This can also be seen in the consolidated financial statements of the Canton of Geneva. As the Presidential Department of the State Council confirms, everything is interconnected. A successful referendum against the 275 million loan would bring the entire project, including the P R, to a halt.

    The transparency in the cost breakdown of the Trèfle-Blanc project now creates the basis for an informed debate and paves the way for the realisation of this important infrastructure project, which will have a significant impact on Geneva.

  • New cabins for Elsigenalp cable car

    New cabins for Elsigenalp cable car

    Elsigenalpbahnen AG inaugurated its new cabins at the weekend with an opening ceremony, according to a press release from the Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg tourism organisation. Guests were offered free rides, tours, music and a raffle. Around 900 guests attended the inauguration ceremony on the weekend of 14 and 15 June and were able to take free maiden voyages at 1,800 metres above sea level. Tours of the engine room and the mountain house were also offered. A selection of pictures also showed the history and renovation of the mountain railway’s infrastructure.

    The impetus for the new cabins came from the necessary renewal of the licence. The AG would have had to carry out work on the fire protection and the steel structure of the supports anyway. The 40-year-old gondolas were also replaced at the same time. Due to their higher dead weight, the new cabins transport a maximum of 37 passengers instead of the previous 40. However, they offer more space as there are no longer any tie rods in the interior. Thanks to automated operation, cameras and an intercom system, staff are no longer required in the mountain station.

    With the inauguration of the Elsigenalp cable car, all the Alpine cable cars in Adelboden, Kandersteg and Frutigen have now started the summer season. The Betelberg is already in service, the Metsch Stand-Xpress will follow on 25 June. As an Alpine destination, the Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg region in the canton of Bern counts over 2 million overnight stays every year.

  • Zurich and Aargau plan mobile network

    Zurich and Aargau plan mobile network

    The Limmat Valley is developing rapidly, not least thanks to new transport projects. In order to strategically address this dynamic, the cantons of Zurich and Aargau, together with three regional planning associations, are launching a cross-cantonal planning instrument:. The Limmattal regional overall transport concept.

    The concept follows the guiding principle “The Limmat Valley is fit for the future” and aims to create a sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly balance between settlement and transport development. The planning horizon extends to the year 2050.

    Multimodal networking as a guideline
    The focus is on improving regional networking, promoting multimodal solutions and integrating logistics concepts. Neighbouring regions such as the Furttal or the city of Zurich are also included.

    The results of the concept will form the basis for future agglomeration programmes and will flow into concrete implementation in the municipalities and cantons from 2027/2028. Objectives, strategies and measures will be developed in several phases by the end of 2026.

    Structured process with regional participation
    The project will be managed by a steering group with representatives from the cantons and regional planning associations. Broad participation by the municipalities and public information events ensure transparency and acceptance.

    Project manager Sarah Hug (Canton of Zurich) and project manager Dominik Kramer (Canton of Aargau) are coordinating the participatory process. Public information events are planned on 5 November 2025 and 13 May 2026, among other dates.

    Mobility strategy with a signalling effect
    The rGVK Limmattal is a model project for intercantonal cooperation in one of Switzerland’s most economically significant development areas. It shows how regional and supra-regional interests can be united in a joint strategy for sustainable mobility.

  • Basel SBB West sets new standards

    Basel SBB West sets new standards

    Das gemeinsame Projekt von SBB, Bund und Kanton Basel-Stadt zielt auf einen Ausbau des Bahnhofs Basel SBB mit höherer Kapazität und verbesserten Verbindungen in Richtung Westen. Kernstücke sind zwei Grossprojekte, die neue Margarethenbrücke und der Perronzugang Margarethen. Ein interdisziplinäres Gremium hat Ende Mai 2025 das überzeugendste Konzept im Rahmen eines Studienauftrags gekürt.

    Das Siegerprojekt des Zürcher Teams Penzel Valier bringt eine innovative architektonische Lösung. Ein leichtes, ausgedehntes Dach überspannt künftig Tramhaltestelle und Perrons. Es schafft nicht nur eine neue Bahnhofshalle mit hoher Aufenthaltsqualität, sondern bietet auch Platz für Begrünung und Photovoltaik.

    Verbindung von Funktion und Gestaltung
    Die neue Brücke und der Perronzugang fügen sich harmonisch in das städtische Umfeld ein. Dank schlanker Tragwerke können die Anschlüsse zu den umliegenden Quartieren tief gehalten werden. Die Halle SNCF, ein denkmalgeschütztes Element, bleibt erhalten und wird sorgfältig in das neue Gefüge integriert.

    Ein differenziertes Wärmemanagement und die geplante Flexibilität bei späteren Erweiterungen zeigen, das Projekt denkt in Etappen und bietet langfristige Perspektiven für die Mobilität der Region.

    Umsetzung in Etappen, mit Fokus auf Qualität
    Die neue Infrastruktur wird frühestens ab 2034 realisiert. Grund dafür ist die komplexe Ausgangslage. Neben dem laufenden Bahn- und Stadtverkehr sind auch denkmalpflegerische Auflagen und ein möglicher zukünftiger Tiefbahnhof zu berücksichtigen.

    Beide Teilprojekte, die Brücke und der Zugang, können unabhängig gebaut werden, doch Bund, Kanton und SBB streben eine gemeinsame Umsetzung an. Die voraussichtlichen Kosten liegen je Projekt im dreistelligen Millionenbereich. Während der Zugang Margarethen bereits finanziert ist, steht die Finanzierung der Brücke noch aus.

    Neue Mobilitätsdrehscheibe mit Symbolkraft
    Mit Basel SBB West entsteht nicht nur zusätzliche Bahninfrastruktur, das Projekt schafft neue Räume für Stadtentwicklung, nachhaltige Mobilität und Aufenthaltsqualität. Es ist ein Musterbeispiel für die Integration von Verkehr, Architektur und Städtebau in einem historischen Kontext. Die öffentliche Ausstellung des Siegerprojekts findet vom 19. bis 28. Juni 2025 statt, ein öffentlicher Infoanlass folgt am 25. Juni.

  • Schlieren station shines in new splendor

    Schlieren station shines in new splendor

    The station square in Schlieren has been transformed into a modern meeting zone that creates space for recreation, encounters and visible mobility. In the center is a spacious square with a striking tree as a green landmark. In front of the city library, a fountain with benches invites people to linger, and new recreational areas have also been created by the SBB West underpass and in front of the restaurants.

    A central element is the clear right of way for pedestrians through the meeting zone. Sidewalks have become superfluous and the entire space belongs to public life. Almost 70 new bicycle parking spaces also encourage people to switch from bicycles to public transport.

    Green spaces for the urban climate
    An innovative approach to climate adaptation was chosen with the implementation of the sponge city principle. 1,200 m² were unsealed to allow rainwater to seep away better. Newly planted trees and around 500 m² of additional green space provide shade and evaporation for cooling, especially on hot summer days.

    The planting is not only ecologically valuable, but also aesthetically pleasing. The cityscape looks livelier and more inviting.

    Grand opening for the public
    The new meeting zone will be inaugurated with a two-day celebration on Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, 2025. The event will kick off with an official speech by City Councillor Stefano Kunz on Friday at 5.00 pm, accompanied by the Harmonie Schlieren band. This will be followed by the street festival with culinary delights and live music, including country artist Tobey Lucas.

    It continues on Saturday from 11.00 am. Local musicians will perform on the stage at Bahnhofsplatz, including the Schlieren music school teachers’ band, Patrick Harbor, the music school choir and Valerù with their band.

    Bahnhofstrasse will be closed to traffic during the festivities. The town belongs to the people this weekend.

    A project with a signal effect
    The pedestrian zone is an example of future-oriented urban development that combines quality of life, climate resilience and mobility. What was initiated by a referendum in 2021 now stands for a new chapter in urban design in Schlieren.

  • Councillors demand right to charging stations in residential buildings

    Councillors demand right to charging stations in residential buildings

    On Wednesday, the Council of States adopted a motion by National Councillor Jürg Grossen by 24 votes to 18. The Federal Council should create binding regulations to ensure access to private charging stations in rented and owner-occupied apartments. The proponents argued that slow charging stations are a key lever for the mobility and energy transition.

    Decarbonization needs infrastructure
    Flavia Wasserfallen emphasized that a lack of charging infrastructure is one of the main reasons for stagnating sales figures for electric vehicles. “Cars need to be charged where they are,” she said. Thierry Burkart also pleaded for a state framework, “combustion engines would never have caught on without charging stations.”

    Property rights versus climate target
    The majority of the Council of States Committee for the Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy opposed a legal obligation. They warned against too much interference in the guarantee of property rights and private autonomy. Daniel Fässler argued that the market should determine where charging infrastructure is created.

    Federal Council’s duty
    The Federal Council had also spoken out against the motion. According to the government, the situation is unclear in the current tenancy and condominium law. Nevertheless, it must now draw up proposals to implement the request.

    Past funding approaches failed
    As part of the last revision of the CO₂ Act, the Federal Council wanted to provide up to CHF 30 million annually for charging infrastructure in apartment buildings and public parking lots. However, this measure failed at the time due to opposition from parliament.

  • Voters stop Locarno railroad station project

    Voters stop Locarno railroad station project

    The proposal to redesign the Locarno-Muralto train station was narrowly rejected with a voter turnout of 31%. 33,723 no votes were cast against 33,621 yes votes. The project was thus stopped by a wafer-thin margin of 102 votes. A result that shows how controversial urban planning interventions can be, even for regionally important infrastructure projects.

    Planned investments for greater clarity and mobility
    The project would have involved a comprehensive upgrade of the transport hub with a total volume of CHF 16 million. The canton of Ticino would have borne around CHF 7 million of this. The plan was to focus more strongly on pedestrian and bicycle traffic and to organize the bus bays more efficiently. The aim was to improve multimodal connections to the station and make public transport clearer and more accessible.

    Opposition from the business community
    The project faced particular opposition from businesses and restaurants around Viale Cattori. They feared that the increased bus frequency – more than 250 buses per day – would impair the quality of life on the lakeside promenade. The loss of direct access routes for motorized private transport to stores and restaurants was also seen as a significant disadvantage. Opponents argued that this could jeopardize the economic attractiveness of the zone.

    Infrastructure project with conflicting local objectives
    The rejection of the station redesign in Locarno is a good example of the tensions between the mobility turnaround, urban development and local economic interests. Despite clear advantages in terms of traffic and design, the project was not able to prevail. This was mainly due to the feared disadvantages for the existing business location. For future infrastructure projects with an impact on urban development, this will serve as a reminder to involve affected interest groups in the dialog early and comprehensively.

  • Expansion of the S-Bahn infrastructure in Frankfurt

    Expansion of the S-Bahn infrastructure in Frankfurt

    DB InfraGO AG has commissioned Implenia to build the inner-city section of the Nordmain suburban railway in Frankfurt. Specifically, the construction and real estate company from Opfikon is to realise the underground section of the S-Bahn from Konstablerwache via the new S-Bahn station Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief) to Fechenheim for the Deutsche Bahn subsidiary. The contract is worth over 200 million euros, Implenia announced in a press release.

    The contract includes the starting excavation pit Trog and the excavation pit for the underground S-Bahn station Frankfurt (Main) Ost (tief), a series of ancillary excavation pits and engineering structures, as well as two tunnel tubes approximately 1.2 kilometres long. They will be constructed by mechanised tunnelling. Implenia will also carry out extensive dewatering measures and provide a range of specialised civil engineering services. Work is scheduled to start at the beginning of 2026 and be completed by 2031.

    “The further expansion of a functioning transport infrastructure is central to the sustainable development of our cities,” said Erwin Scherer, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia, in the press release. “I am delighted that Implenia, with its many years of experience and extensive expertise, is able to contribute to improving public transport in the densely populated Rhine-Main region.”