ASTAG advocates for modernization of national roads

The Swiss commercial vehicle association ASTAG has clearly advocated for the modernization of national roads at today’s delegates’ meeting. The expansion step 2023, which will be put to a public vote in the autumn, is unreservedly supported, as was made clear in a panel discussion. Central President Thierry Burkart was unanimously re-elected. In a live connection, Federal Councillor Albert Rösti praised the industry for its great commitment to supply and disposal.

(Bern) The national road network is an indispensable foundation for reliable and safe supply and disposal in Switzerland. 41 percent of traffic and even 74 percent of road freight traffic takes place via highways. Unfortunately, the capacities are no longer sufficient – traffic jams reach new record lows every year.

For the public vote in autumn on the expansion step 2023 of the national roads, the Swiss commercial vehicle association ASTAG therefore recommends a clear yes. At this year’s delegates’ meeting in Lugano, it was once again expressed that the road transport industry, and ultimately the economy, trade, and population, are dependent on a high-performance road infrastructure. Central President Thierry Burkart made it clear in his welcome: “The national roads secure prosperity – therefore, the public decision on the expansion program for our country is absolutely groundbreaking!”

High-performance highways = less diversion traffic

Central arguments in favor include the relief of municipalities and thus traffic safety. As National Councilor Benjamin Giezendanner (SVP / AG) and Jürg Röthlisberger, Director of the Federal Roads Office ASTRA, emphasized, the expansion step 2023 also helps to avoid diversion traffic through villages and agglomerations. The more efficient the highways are, the less incentive there is to use the subordinate road network – with significant advantages for traffic safety, for example on school routes. A demand-oriented further development of the infrastructure is essential for both rail and roads. National Councilor Michael Töngi (SP / LU) and VCS President Ruedi Blumer, two opponents of the proposal, were also given the opportunity to present their arguments.

In the statutory part, Thierry Burkart was unanimously confirmed as Central President for another term of four years amidst great applause, as were Peter Galliker and Heinrich Marti (members of the management committee). The highlight of the delegates’ meeting was a live connection from Federal Councillor Albert Rösti. The head of the UVEK conveyed his recognition for the daily services that the road transport industry provides for supply and disposal throughout Switzerland.

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