Results for the phase
"Planning and referendum 1983 - 1992"
Politicians take up the NRLA plans once again in the 1980s. Public awareness of environmental issues is rising as a result of forest dieback. The plan to shift goods traffic from road to rail and build base tunnels through the Gotthard and Lötschberg is also a response to calls from the European Economic Community to remove obstacles in road transport. The NRLA ultimately gains importance as a federalist addition to the Rail 2000 project. All regions of the country are now on board. In 1992, Swiss voters approve the NRLA in a referendum.
A dissertation revives a railway
Rarely has an academic dissertation caused such a political stir. Hans-Jörg Bertschi’s work lends new momentum to the NRLA.
View eventRail 2000
For all the talk of the NRLA, Rail 2000 is also a big part of the story. It encouraged the drive towards a denser rail network and an expanded infrastructure.
View eventFive options
Lötschberg-Simplon, Gotthard, Ypsilon or one of two Splügen options? The Federal Council decides to pursue the Gotthard and Lötschberg-Simplon options.
View event«Rail with road»
In an influential report, Infras recommends an internationally coordinated approach, and shifting road traffic onto the railways.
View eventOrder, build, operate
For the NRLA’s construction, the Confederation separates infrastructure from operations. The new project management system is a success.
View eventCross-border solutions
A European transport conference in Frankfurt in 1989 gives its backing to rail transport. Adolf Ogi is there representing Switzerland.
View eventNo link for Eastern Switzerland
A rail line through the eastern Alps is eastern Switzerland’s dream. While those hopes come to nought, the region is included in the network option.
View eventThe problem with slots
Planning rail traffic is a complex business: trains travelling on the same tracks can only overtake at a small number of places. The principal planning unit is known as a slot.
View eventParliament backs the NRLA
Parliament’s backing for the construction of the NRLA is based on regional, environmental and European policy arguments.
View eventAgreement with Europe
Even before the Swiss people vote on the NRLA, politicians are discussing the project in their negotiations with the EEC.
View eventApproval from western Switzerland
The main beneficiaries of the base tunnels through the Gotthard and Lötschberg are Zurich, Bern, Valais and Ticino. But the French-speaking cantons of western Switzerland also gain from the NRLA.
View eventYes to the NRLA
Swiss voters approve the NRLA proposal by a clear majority, paving the way for construction of the new Gotthard, Ceneri and Lötschberg tunnels.
View eventNo to the EEA
Transport policy negotiations with Europe falter when Switzerland votes narrowly against joining the European Economic Area.
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