Gotthard Road Tunnel construction faces major logistics challenges

The construction of the second tube of the Gotthard road tunnel presents significant logistical challenges, particularly regarding the management of excavated material. Approximately 7.4 million tons of material, equivalent to about 4 million cubic meters, will be produced during the excavation process.

According to engineer Paolo Spinedi, the logistics are complicated by the irregular arrival of material and limited storage options. To manage this, efficient transport systems such as conveyor belts and rail transport must remain operational at all times. The project maintains a high recycling rate, with approximately 97 percent of the excavated material being reused. About one quarter is utilized for concrete production, while three quarters are used for embankments in Airolo or Lake Urnersee, leaving only three percent for landfills.

In addition to removing waste, the rail network facilitates the transport of essential construction materials, including cement, sand, gravel, and reinforcement steel, to the sites in Göschenen and Airolo.