Swiss dig the world’s longest tunnel

October 16, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

SEDRUN, Switzerland

Workers hugged, cheered and set off fireworks as the huge drill broke through the last stretch of rock deep in the Swiss Alps. There was delight at the end of the tunnel — the world’s longest — when it was completed Friday.

The $10 billion, 35.4-mile tube will connect Europe’s high-speed rail network and is part of a larger effort to cut in half the number of trucks — now at 1.2 million — that thunder through the Alps each year.

The joy and pride felt throughout Switzerland over digging the Gotthard Base Tunnel reflected the one cause that unites the country’s wealthy city dwellers with those living in traditional villages: Protecting the beauty of the mountains.

“Together, we risked a lot,” said Swiss Transport Minister Moritz Leuenberger. “Together we achieved a lot.”

TV stations across Europe showed the event live. The embraces and cheers by the hard-hatted workers brought to mind the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners earlier this week in Chile.

Swiss voters approved the tunnel’s construction in a series of referendums almost 20 years ago. Despite some criticism at the cost — almost $1,300 for every citizen — the proposal passed by a wide margin.

Leuenberger, who is also in charge of environment issues, praised Swiss voters and took a swipe at neighboring Germany, where popular opposition threatens to halt the construction of new high-speed rail links and underground train stations.

“Today proves how sustainable, strong and efficient our direct democracy is,” he told miners, VIPs and reporters amid the raucous underground celebrations.

His words were echoed by one of the 2,500 workers who toiled for more than a decade. Dieter Meyer, an electrician from Germany, expressed his awe that Switzerland — a country of just under 8 million people — had chosen to pursue such an ambitious project.

Meyer said Germans should reconsider their opposition to new rail projects if they are serious about protecting the environment and halting climate change.

Protesters in the southwest German city oppose plans to move Stuttgart’s station underground, viewing the $5.7 billion project as a waste of money.