When Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger visits the government of Uri on 18 April 1996 to discuss the NRLA, many issues are still unresolved: spatial planning, environmental protection, the timing of construction of the approach routes. Uri believes it is important for the latter to open at the same time as the Gotthard axis, fearing that otherwise they will lose out. In the course of tough and protracted negotiations, the cantonal government achieves partial success in defending its position, with the Federal Council agreeing that the approach route to the rail tunnel will run underground. Uri is, however, dissatisfied with the fact that timing of the construction has not yet been finalised.

« Increased environmental damage, an almost total loss of land and a problematic uncoupling of several regions from the rail network are set against improved scope to shift transit volumes and a number of positive economic factors. »

Ambros Gisler, Economic Director, Canton of Uri, Expression of Uri's concerns on the occasion of a visit by Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger, 16.04.1996