The Bern City Council is pulling the emergency brake: it supports the initiative “Stop the Wankdorf traffic monster!” and is filing an appeal against the federal project. It is also calling for improvements to the planned redevelopment of the Wankdorf junction. The reasoning: more traffic, more noise, less quality of life. This is according to the press release issued by the Bern City Council.
No construction freeze – but clear conditions
The initiative was launched by the Spurwechsel association and was directly accepted by the municipal council. It obliges the city to oppose national road projects that would result in additional traffic. This does not result in a direct construction freeze, as the project remains a federal matter. Nevertheless, Bern is taking matters into its own hands: negotiations with the UVEK and ASTRA are to improve the project’s compatibility with the city. A roof over the motorway is one of the options under discussion.
“I am aware of the stage the project is at,” said Transport Director Matthias Aebischer (SP) in the Berner Zeitung, quoting from the communiqué. “This is not about fundamental opposition, but about getting the best possible outcome for the people affected.”
The Bernese economy is sounding the alarm
The Bernese economy sees things very differently: for the Trade and Industry Association of the Canton of Bern, the Wankdorf redevelopment is essential. The bottleneck is costing companies time, money, and nerves. “Commercial transport needs reliable conditions, and that includes functioning transport infrastructure. The Wankdorf bottleneck has been damaging the efficiency of our companies for years and must be seen as an important piece of the puzzle in local, regional, and national commercial transport,” said Giorgio Albisetti, president of the Bern section of the Industry Association, in the association’s press release.
Business associations see stagnation as a risk
SME City Bern and BernCity are also applying pressure: the infrastructure must be future-proof, otherwise there is a risk of regression. “Those who prevent investment today risk stagnation tomorrow,” warns Peter Steck, President of SME City Bern. The redevelopment will not only benefit the economy, but also relieve the burden on public transport, which is often stuck in traffic jams today.
Two sides, one goal: solutions
While the city is insisting on less traffic and more climate protection, the business community is calling for an efficient infrastructure. Transport Director Matthias Aebischer emphasizes: “This is not about fundamental opposition – it’s about improvements for the population.” At the same time, Bern is reaffirming its support for the Bern East bypass, which has the potential to truly repair the city. But here, too, improvements are desired.
At least the necessary funds for any improvements should be available after the motorway expansion plan was rejected by voters last November.
