Zug,25.03.2009

Hirzel tunnel idea gains ground

For the past 26 years, the cantons of Zug and Zurich have been discussing building a tunnel through Hirzel, but Federal authorities wanted little to do with the idea until two years ago, when they asked the two cantons to come up with the best -possible layout for the proposed tunnel. The results of that two-year study produced what both cantons consider the ideal solution: a two-lane tunnel connecting the A4 and A3 motorways from Sihlbrugg to Lake Zurich, beginning just north of Walterswil and ending at the A4a motorway. According to the study, one two-lane tunnel is sufficient and would serve the purpose of cutting down transit traffic through the town of Hirzel. The five-kilometre long tunnel would cost around CHF 500 million.

The Federal Council now considers the Hirzel connection to be an important link in the national road network and is willing to invest in it, although the Federal Road Department (ASTRA) would prefer a four-lane solution with two separate tunnels.

Preparation for the Hirzel tunnel will begin in the second half of this year when the exact location of the tunnel will be defined. Both the cantons of Zug and Zurich will then need to adapt their road planning to include the future tunnel.