Lugano Tram-Train Network: Court upholds plan approval

The project provides for a new 12.2 km tram-train link between the Valle del Vedeggio and Lugano city centre, including a 2.2 km tunnel, new stops, track doubling and related infrastructure. Several complaints were filed with the Federal Administrative Cour (FAC) concerning the project approved by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT). The complaints cited noise impacts, vibrations, expropriations and alleged deficiencies in the project documentation. At the time the appeals were lodged, the estimated cost of the project was around CHF 514 million.

Emphasising the significant public interest of the project, the FAC confirms that it complies with federal environmental and property protection legislation, dismissing the appeals to the extent they were admissible. The FAC partially upholds the appeal of one landowner whose property is not affected by the construction works, annulling the exemption from vibration limit values granted by the FOT; that exemption was premature in the absence of any concrete construction works in the area. The aforementioned partial admission has no influence on the project. The appeals of two further appellants are declared entirely inadmissible for lack of standing.

This judgment may be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court.