Central Switzerland, 06.05.2020

Debris on the Axenstrasse again

Once again, loose rubble has fallen onto the Axenstrasse. Local residents reported a loud rumbling in the Gumpisch area. The road is now closed. Following an inspection from the air, a decision on how to proceed will be made on Wednesday.

On Tuesday evening, at around 10.10 p.m., there was a mudslide in the well-known Gumpisch danger zone, between Sisikon and Flüelen. The debris damaged various facilities on Axenstrasse. The Uri police announced: "The alarm system installed in autumn 2019 alerted us immediately, and triggered a complete closure of the national road."

Due to the darkness, the extent of the damage caused by the natural event could not be estimated at night. A reconnaissance flight with specialists on board will  take place at dawn on Wednesday. They will assess when the road can be re-opened to traffic.

The road between Sisikon and the Morschach junction is closed in both directions.

The Uri Cantonal Police continue: "Access to the Tellsplatte from the south and the access roads to Sisikon and Riemenstalden from the north are secured." For the time being, a complete road closure is expected until at least 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The Office for The Operation of National Roads (Amt für Betrieb Nationalstrassen), a private security service and the cantonal police from Schwyz and Uri are on duty.

The mudslide happened after hours of rain during the day, A witness reported late Tuesday night that the sliding of the debris had even been heard from the other side of the lake. This would indicate a large amount of material thundering into the depths.

There is a diversion in both directions via the A2 Seelisberg Tunnel.