Possible revisions: – Sarnen’s Canton Road slated for renovation – Renovation planned for Canton Road in Sarnen – Sarnen to renovate Canton Road – Canton Road in Sarnen set to undergo renovation

The government council of the canton of Obwalden grants a loan of CHF 1.986 million for the settlement-friendly design of the Rütistrasse/Wilerstrasse in Sarnen. As the canton of Obwalden writes in a press release, the property loan is part of the framework loan for the cantonal roads construction program from 2022 to 2027.

The reason for the loan is that the roadway and the sewage pipes on the cantonal road Rüti-/Wilerstrasse in the Hofmatt-Kirchhofen section urgently need to be repaired. The few crossing options, the lack of a pavement on the south side of Rütistrasse, insufficient visibility at almost all junctions with Rütistrasse and the lack of bicycle traffic facilities also harbor major safety risks. In order to remedy these deficiencies and at the same time to make the section more compatible with settlement, the building and spatial development department has drawn up a road construction project.

The street section should be quieter

As the communication goes on to say, the road project includes, on the one hand, the standard-compliant expansion, the renewal of the road body and the increase in traffic safety on the Rütistrasse and, on the other hand, the repair of the Wilerstrasse, including the construction of an entrance gate at the entrance to the town on the Wilen side and the replacement of the Bridge plate of the Blattibach culvert. In order to reduce traffic noise, a low-noise surface will be installed along the entire project perimeter.

To improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, traffic islands will be created as turning and crossing aids, and a pavement crossing will also be provided for the municipal roads that lead to the cantonal road. A bike lane will also be created from Sarnen in the direction of Wilen.

In order to use synergies, measures are also being carried out in the road construction project that are the responsibility of the Sarnen municipality. For example, sewage pipes will be replaced in Rütistrasse, at the same time the separation system (separate pipes for waste water and rainwater) will be introduced and the bus stops (Kirchhofen stop) will be made more accessible. In addition, to increase pedestrian safety, a continuous pavement will be realized south along the Rütistrasse. Construction Director Josef Hess says: “The project can improve the situation for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and residents overall and in the long term. The section of road will be safer for everyone and the noise pollution will decrease.” Everything is done in one construction process, so that the disturbances caused by the construction site are kept to a minimum.

The start of construction of the first stage “Rütistrasse” is planned for the beginning of May 2023 and will last until the end of October. The second stage “Wilerstrasse” is planned for 2024. There will be no major restrictions on everyday traffic during the construction work. In some sections, traffic will be single-lane and regulated with a traffic light system. (fpf)