Plans presented to improve Swiss road network

Aftermath of a car crash in the Gotthard tunnel, which is earmarked for improvements as part of the government's plans. Keystone

The government has outlined its proposals to improve Switzerland's national road network.

By 2040 about a fifth of the network is forecast to be stretched beyond current capacity, which is why, according to Transport Minister Doris Leuthard, significant investments are needed.

The number of vehicles on Swiss roads has increased by more than half since 1990. The total number of vehicles registered in Switzerland in 2015 was 5.9 million, in a country with a population of 8.4 million.

The Federal Council on Wednesday approved more than CHF2 billion ($2.07 billion) for road projects in central and western Switzerland over the next couple of years, and a further CHF11 billion by 2030. 

Leuthard also said that plans to increase a petrol tax would be postponed by about five years .

The funds for road infrastructure were approved in a nationwide vote last year.

+ Read how Switzerland will pay for its road network

As part of the plans, the Federal Council has also asked parliament to approve money for improvements to the Gotthard road tunnel – a key north-south artery through the Alps.