Zürich approves tram network expansion through to 2040

On 23 January the city council for the Swiss city announced approval of plans for the expansion of its tramway network in the coming 16 years, including two new subways. 

 

The current network has reached its peak performance at several junctions and population growth of 100 000 will increase demand, so alternatives to travelling through the city centre have been devised. 

 

The Network Development Strategy 2040 has been developed by operator VBZ, the city Civil Engineering and Urban Development departments and the Zürich Transport Association (ZVV). 

 

Amongst the projects are Tramtangente Nord from Messe to Neuaffoltern and a new line Tram Affoltern to Holzerhund, while short extensions are planned from Altered to Wallisellen/Dubendorf. Tramspänge Altstetten will see a new link built from Hardturm to Bhf Altstetten. In the west a new tram subway will link Irchel and Wipkingen leading to a west orbital line from Escher-Wyss-Platz to Triemli. Also in the west there is a new link north from Bhf Altstetten to there planned Hönggerberg subway via ETH Hönggerberg to Glaubtenstraase and a surface link to Bhf Oerlikon. An extension will link Seebach and Kloten. 

 

The total cost of all these projects could reach CHF 2.5bn, including expansion of depot facilities. 

 

City councillor Michael Baumer, with responsibility for VBZ, said ‘The 2040 network development strategy sets the course for Zürich’s mobility future. It paves the way for the poly centric and prosperous further development of the city’.