'Conditions like in other countries threaten': Switzerland was long proud of its good infrastructure. But now roads, rails, power and water lines must be renovated for billions

Switzerland, long lauded for its robust infrastructure, is facing a critical juncture. Decades of underinvestment and the natural aging of its extensive network of roads, railways, power lines, and water pipes are now demanding urgent attention and substantial financial commitment. The nation's infrastructure, built by previous generations, is beginning to show its age, prompting concerns about its future reliability.

“

The infrastructure is excellent compared to other countries.

Recent events underscore the growing vulnerability of these essential systems. In Biel, a series of power outages has disrupted daily life, affecting businesses, industry, and even the hospital. Meanwhile, extreme heat caused a section of the A13 highway to buckle, creating a hazardous "ramp" that damaged vehicles. Similar incidents, like a water main break that destroyed a road, further illustrate the widespread issues.

“

For now.

While experts like Bryan Adey from ETH Zurich still rate Switzerland's infrastructure highly compared to other nations, he adds a crucial caveat: "For now." This temporary status is attributed to the foresight of past generations who invested heavily in projects like railway electrification and tunnel construction. However, Adey warns that the country must now embark on another significant investment phase to maintain its high standards and meet the needs of a growing population and evolving demands for services like electricity and mobility. Failure to do so could lead to a decline in the quality of infrastructure, potentially mirroring conditions seen elsewhere.

“

It's time to take another big step for the next fifty years. And that will require major investments again.