Saanen bypass work to begin in summer 2008

Plans for the construction of the Saanen bypass are on track. The Gemeinde Saanen recently published its construction time plan, expecting the new road to take two and a half years to complete. Provided that the cantonal parliament does not call for a referendum, construction will begin on May 30 2008. The first section to be built will be the western roundabout on the Rougemont side of the village and the tunnel section. 2009 will see the eastern part of the tunnel completed, as well as extensive adjustment along the Saanenmöserstrasse. Interior works and landscaping will follow, preparing the road for the autumn 2010 opening. From then on, the main street through the village road will be closed to through-traffic.

To meet the tight schedule, two intensive construction phases on the Saanenmöserstrasse will be needed. Two shifts working from 05h00 till 22h00 will modify the curve above the future roundabout in 2008 and the roundabout itself in 2009. This will keep the need for alternating single-lane traffic to a minimum, particularly during the critical winter season. Residents have been reassured that heavy construction will be restricted to normal working hours.