The referendum has begun: the highway expansion comes for the people

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Voters will likely be able to decide on the highway expansion at the ballot box. According to a statement from the Swiss Transport Club (VCS) on Thursday, 72,000 signatures have already been collected against the project. The collection period ends on January 18, 2024.

The 2023 highway expansion has been described as excessive, outdated and too expensive. After the clear yes to the Climate Protection Act on June 18, a halt to road construction is recommended instead of expansion.

“We have clearly struck a nerve,” says VCS referendum leader Martin Winder. “Many people don’t understand why, in the middle of the climate crisis, the federal government is investing billions in highway construction and destroying entire areas of valuable farmland.”

Costs of 5.3 billion francs

According to a federal decision, 5.3 billion francs should be spent on the expansion of new highways. The National Council approved the proposal at the end of September by 107 votes to 87 with one abstention, the Council of States by 33 votes to 6 with 5 abstentions.

A broad alliance of environmental associations has formed against the highway expansion plans. According to the VCS, the referendum is also supported by the SP, the Greens and a total of 24 other parties and environmental associations.

The signatures received are currently being certified and submitted to the Federal Chancellery in early 2024. Voters should therefore be able to make a decision on the highway expansion next year. “We are convinced that a majority will reject the climate-damaging highway expansion,” says Umverkehr director Silas Hobi confidently. (SDA/rus)

Source:Blick