From June 16th to 17th, 2026, the KKL Luzern will once again become the hub of the international tunneling world. It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Swiss Tunnel Congress (STC) 2026! The excursions as part of the STC will take place on June 18th, 2026.
Behind us lies the first phase of our new dual event concept. The success of the compact Swiss Tunnel Day (STDay), with an attendance of nearly 500 people, confirms that we are on the right track. We are, of course, continuously reviewing further improvements to make the exchange within the industry even more efficient and attractive. A key pillar of this success will be the intensified collaboration with universities (ETHZ, EPFL, and Universities of Applied Sciences). We want research and practice to move even closer together, which is also reflected in the fact that starting in the autumn of 2027, the STS young members (STSym) symposium will be held directly at ETH Zurich – a clear signal for the promotion of our next generation of professionals!
The tunneling industry is operating in an exciting but also challenging environment. While the demand for underground infrastructure remains high, we must always view future tunneling projects within the context of the federal government's priorities and budget guidelines. Here, it is essential to sustainably position the value of the underground for Switzerland. At the same time, the STS continues to work intensively on the framework conditions of our work, particularly in continuing the engagement on the complex and important topic of "Insurance for planning services."
Another highlight of our association’s work is the Tunnel Database. The technical expansions of its functions have been successfully implemented. Now it is up to all of us: for this database to reach its full potential, increased contributions from the entire tunneling community are required. I invite you to share this knowledge with us and actively help shape the tunnel database.
This year’s technical program once again promises the highest quality:
Colloquium, June 16th, 2026
We will focus on the latest developments in mechanized tunneling, microtunneling, and pipe jacking.
Congress Day, June 17th, 2026
Following the keynote speech by Jürg Röthlisberger, Director of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), on the topic "High-performance transport infrastructures as a prerequisite for sustainable mobility," we will present a wide range of national and international projects:
- Mattertal Tunnel
- Ligerz Tunnel
- Semmering, Lot SBT1.1 Gloggnitz Tunnel (Austria)
- Lötschberg Base Link
- Geneva Underground Station, sub-project access tunnel "Lausanne"
- Brüttener Tunnel
- 2nd tube Gotthard Tunnel, North
- Fideris Tunnel
- St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel (Germany)
Excursions, June 18th, 2026
We will take you to the 2nd tube Gotthard Tunnel, North, the Ligerz Tunnel, and the Kaiserstuhl Tunnel. Participants will be shown various sections of the construction sites, allowing them to gain a comprehensive insight into the work firsthand.
An event of this magnitude thrives on the commitment of the companies, the speakers, and the organizing team. My special thanks go to our sponsors for their many years of loyalty.
On behalf of the STS, I wish you inspiring days in Lucerne, enriching technical discussions, and a valuable exchange!
Yours sincerely,
Davide Fabbri
President of the STS
Swiss Tunnelling Society
