Traffic jams at the Gotthard Tunnel have tripled since 2012, with over 1,800 hours of congestion recorded in 2022. As Easter approaches, the issue is expected to worsen, prompting SVP National Councilor Benjamin Giezendanner to propose a controversial solution: keeping the Gotthard Pass road open year-round.

This plan, estimated to cost 300 million Swiss francs, involves building avalanche barriers and partial road coverings.

While some see it as a way to ease holiday traffic, environmental groups like Pro Alps strongly oppose it, citing concerns over climate and constitutional violations.

The debate highlights the growing challenge of balancing infrastructure needs with environmental preservation.