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Cargo sous terrain (CST) is undertaking tangible planning measures for the first section of line, which will open in 2031, establishing the prerequisites for the nationwide network in collaboration with cities and cantons.
Over recent months, CST has strengthened the basis for project implementation in eastern and western Switzerland, and has achieved initial milestones in the Zurich region.
The positive parliamentary decision at the end of 2021 meant that the funding provided by CST investors became available for the planning permission phase. This phase includes preparing the necessary approval procedures in the cantons along the first tunnel section.
At the end of 2022, the structure plan processes that are a requirement for CST will commence in the cantons of Aargau, Solothurn and Zurich. During the current phase, CST is investigating suitable hub locations along the first section of line from Härkingen to Zurich Airport.
At all these locations, CST is checking the transport connections and carrying out geological surveys. The aim is a careful integration into the landscape and built-up areas. CST offers the opportunity to implement structural flagship developments and reduce above-ground traffic.
In parallel with planning the first section of line, CST is working on expanding the system to create a nationwide network by 2045. It has achieved some key intermediate goals in several cantons over
recent months.
Together with the cantons of St Gallen and Thurgau, CST has conducted a potential analysis using freight volumes to investigate the feasibility of subterranean freight transport between Zurich and eastern Switzerland. This showed that extending the network as far as St Gallen is technically and economically promising.
Based on these results, in-depth investigations will now be undertaken at possible hub locations. The cantons of St Gallen and Thurgau are delighted with the positive results and are keen to have a connection to this forward-looking system as soon as possible.
A feasibility study conducted in conjunction with the cantons of Vaud and Geneva also confirmed the economic viability of a connection to the overall CST network in western Switzerland. Partially transferring road freight to the underground system will also bring huge environmental benefits to the Lake Geneva region.
Overall, it will result in an improvement to the quality of life and public health. As in eastern Switzerland, the cantons and CST will now undertake further studies on the CST connection, substantiating the benefits and practical feasibility.
CST AG signed a memorandum of understanding with Zurich Airport in June 2022, which has been part of CST AG since 2019. CST AG and Zurich Airport intend to connect the airport to the initial section of line. This will reduce traffic on the access roads while at the same time managing logistics flows at the airport.
In structural terms, this will be achieved by a branch line off the main tunnel. CST will provide the tunnel and vertical feeders, while Zurich Airport will construct the actual logistics terminal building.
In the city of Zurich, CST is supporting the municipal authorities in a pilot project for depositing and collecting parcels.
The "SalüBox" is intended to consolidate the booming parcel delivery trade and reduce the amount of delivery traffic in residential areas. It represents an addition and an alternative to current personal mailboxes. Local businesses and retailers can also use the SalüBox to store goods. ■