To prevent traffic jams: the federal government wants a speed limit of 80 km/h on the highway

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Significant speed limits will soon be in place on Swiss motorways. “In a few years, we will not be able to avoid imposing a speed limit of 80 km/h during rush hours throughout the Mittelland to avoid permanent traffic jams,” says Jürg Röthlisberger, head of the Federal Road Agency (Astra), to the Tamedia newspapers.

This would particularly affect commuters who want to drive on Swiss motorways between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM and between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. However, the limit may vary depending on the day of the week and the section of highway, an Astra media spokesperson said. “Holidays, public holidays or events such as public fairs, concerts or sporting events also have an influence.”

Electronic signals required

The Astra has been testing measures to combat increasing traffic jams on Swiss motorways for some time now. A speed of 80 km/h has proven to be a good way to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

It is already used today, for example on construction sites. This should happen more systematically from 2026, says Röthlisberger. The Federal Office can make such decisions itself because it is a measure to improve traffic flow. The law only prescribes a maximum speed of 120 km/h, the Tamedia newspapers write.

Electronic signaling systems are required to make flexible use of the speed limit. More than 2,000 kilometers of highway should be equipped with this by 2026.

Röthlisberger says he does not expect a wave of outrage. Things used to be different. “Ten years ago that would have been impossible, people would have eaten us.” How strictly the Astra applies the speed rules will only become clear in 2026, when the new signaling systems come into effect.

The Astra recently welcomed the expansion of the A1 to six lanes, which Parliament created. “It makes our road network more robust if we have lanes available, some of which we can close for maintenance work, allowing traffic to continue moving,” Röthlisberger said in a recent Blick interview.

The maintenance of the highways in particular is becoming a problem. “The money is there, but we worry about time.” The siege replacement takes place mainly at night. “But the night windows are becoming shorter, for example due to noise pollution.” (brother)

Source:Blick