History
In 1967, the 6.6-kilometre (4.1 mi) long San Bernardino Tunnel was opened as part of the National Road N13 (today A13), between the villages of Hinterrhein and San Bernardino. The tunnel connected Eastern Switzerland with the Canton of Ticino, and is the second most important after the Gotthard Alpine crossing for freight and private transport in Switzerland. At the time of planning the current traffic density was not yet clear. From today's perspective, the roadway is very tight, and the ventilation systems did not meet modern requirements. Separate emergency-escape tunnels did not exist. The San Bernardino route serves the international area as an escape route to the A2 (particularly after the accidental, temporary closure of the Gotthard tunnel in 2001), although the route climbs to 8%, close to Wendekehren and the narrow tunnel is unsuitable for heavy vehicles. The corresponding pressures had necessitated a renewal of the tunnel, and the refurbishment started in 1991, was completed in 2006. The following modifications were made:
- lowering the bottom of the centre channel;
- renovation of the drainage system (separate system) and the line channels;
- renewal of electromechanical equipment;
- operational and fire ventilation adapted to today's needs;
- creating an emergency escape tunnel;
- demolition and reconstruction of the roadway construction;
- renewal of cladding panels;
- repair, while maintaining the traffic flow.
The total construction costs amounted to approximately CHF 236 million (approximately 148 million Euros).
The Mason valley, one of the Italian-speaking southern valleys of Grisons, has since the opening of the tunnel, throughout the year on a secure server with the rest of the canton. However, the pass is open only in summer.
The old name "Vogelberg" may refer to the migratory birds who pass by here every year in large flocks. These have now also discovered the tunnel as a 'shortcut'. Sometimes, the traffic must be stopped so that the birds find their way undisturbed.
Coordinates: 46°29′49.20″N 9°10′19.20″E / 46.497°N 9.172°E / 46.497; 9.172
Read more about this topic: San Bernardino (road Tunnel)
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“Anything in history or nature that can be described as changing steadily can be seen as heading toward catastrophe.”
—Susan Sontag (b. 1933)
“The history of every country begins in the heart of a man or a woman.”
—Willa Cather (1876–1947)
“Man watches his history on the screen with apathy and an occasional passing flicker of horror or indignation.”
—Conor Cruise O’Brien (b. 1917)