ASTRA EP28 construction site and Herman Hesse Museum
On 21 June, the OG Ticino organized an event in three parts. First, we visited the A2 highway renovation site between Gentilino and Lamone. Then we visited the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, where we were able to learn about many aspects of the writer's life on a guided tour. Finally, we enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Bora da Besa restaurant in Gentilino.
ASTRA EP28 construction site
For the first part of our ETH alumni afternoon, we met in the offices of the ASTRA EP28 construction site in Cadempino. There we were welcomed by Gianni Ruggia. The EPFL civil engineer and project manager informed us about the activities of the FEDRO branch in Bellinzona and the renovation work on the A2 highway between Gentilino and Lamone.
The responsibility of the FEDRO Bellinzona branch covers the entire A2 highway in the Ticino region, including the S. Gotthard and S. Bernardino tunnels and the Mappo-Morettina tunnel.
The section of road between Gentilino and Lamone needs to be renovated as it is 50 years old. Around 80,000 vehicles use this section every day, and at peak times the figure is as high as 95,000. The volume of traffic on this section of road poses major challenges for construction site management.
The renovation project dates back to 2013. Ten years later, work began on the project, which will last until 2028 and cost around CHF 265 million. The construction site stretches over a length of 6 km in a flat and hilly area. In addition, 2.5 km of construction site for the renovation of the Lugano Nord exit ramps and 4.1 km of noise barriers are being considered. The rest area in Muzzano will also be completely renovated and equipped with modern, self-cleaning stainless steel toilets. Charging points for electric cars will also be installed at the rest area.
Wastewater treatment must also be taken into account during the renovation and the new legal requirements in this area must be observed. This requires, for example, the construction of two road wastewater treatment plants (SABA), which bring the water back to the intended parameters before it is discharged into the Vedeggio. In addition, a watertight blanket is to be laid under the road surface to protect the S2 and S3 protection zones through which the highway runs.
After the orientation, we visited the construction site where the drill for laying the foundation piles for the retaining wall at Mulini di Bioggio is in operation. It is one of the largest drills in Switzerland and is used for laying the foundations at a depth of 20-30 meters.
Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola
After visiting the EP28 construction site, we moved on to the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola. Thanks to a guided tour, we were able to discover the places where the writer lived from 1919 to 1962. The museum, which was established in 1997, is located in the tower of Casa Camuzzi. There we were able to learn about the different phases of the life of the writer and painter, who was born in Calw in Germany in 1877. We learned about his biography, which is permeated by many difficulties and suffering: from mental disorders to his suicide attempt in 1892, the difficulties during the First and Second World Wars and his three marriages. His links with Switzerland are manifold: he lived in Basel and Bern before settling in Ticino. He spent several summers in Sils-Maria in the Engadin. His literary work deals with the pursuit of authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. He has received several awards and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946.
Our event ended with a cozy dinner at the Bora da Besa restaurant.
