From 18 September to 18 October, the plans may beconsulted and any complaints or remarks filed. The plan, which is expected to cost approximately CHF 600,000, will then go to the Saanen municipal council for a decision on detailed budgeting.

Markus Wyss, district chief engineer from Bern’s Civil Engineering department says the work has proceeded better than planned, although earlier budget cuts meant that a section of the road which was to be finished in 2014 was just now completed.

The 6-km long road is being renovated at a rate of 600 meters annually. The work is being done in “halves”—one side of the road is sectioned off and worked upon while the other lane supports all traffic. Stoplights on both sides of the stretch of construction mean drivers who encounter green lights proceed directly, while those that hit red can have a waiting time of up to 10 minutes.  Workers are on-site from 7 am to 5 pm weekdays.

The road was originally constructed in the 19^th century and rebuilt in the 1940’s and 50’s, and was long overdue for a full makeover. With drainage difficulties, the potential for landslides and little to no existing shoulder, officials say the 10-year plan was absolutely necessary. The first four stages will run from 2014 to 2016 for the Mosen Ried to Reichenstein portion of the road, while the roadwork on the Reichenstein to Saanenmöser section will run from 2017 to 2022.