Sustainable noise reduction measures – for a better quality of life in the residential area of Schwamendingen in Zurich, Switzerland

On January 9, 2023, work started on the roofing of the national highway section in the Waldgarten area, Zurich, using precast concrete girders. For safety reasons, the highway must be completely closed during the work. The work will take place during the night to prevent major traffic restrictions. A total of 54 ceiling girders will be moved over a length of 134 meters. An average of seven girders, each weighing over 30 tons, will be installed each night. All the ceiling girders will be transported just-in-time by heavy good vehicles via the Schwamendingen junction and lifted directly by the heavy good vehicle. A mobile crane located in the middle of the residential area is used for the relocation. The crane can lift loads of up to 500 tons. 
This newly created enclosure over one of the busiest roads in Switzerland with over 120’000 vehicles per day will protect the residential neighborhood from noise and exhaust air in the future. The chosen solution is very similar to an “underground” tunnel and comparable to cut and cover. In addition, the Ueberlandpark, a public green and leisure space unique in Switzerland, is being created on the roof of the structure. The enclosure sustainably improves the current situation in the neighborhood and helps Schwamendingen and its population to a new quality of life.
As leading partner in an engineering Joint Venture, Lombardi has been providing the services of the Construction Management for the Federal Roads Office FEDRO, Winterthur branch, since autumn 2016 until the end of 2025.