⏱ 2 min read
Background
Thousands of lorries carrying dangerous goods cross the Simplon Pass in Valais every year. As early as 2014, a National Council postulate called for these shipments to be moved to rail compulsorily. In early 2023, the Confederation, the canton of Valais and business representatives launched the “2025 Roadmap”. It included seven measures: data collection, inspections, infrastructure, industry and transfer to rail.
The key points
After three years of work, the steering committee draws a positive assessment of the safety of these shipments, according to its press release of Wednesday 11 November 2026. Its final report, submitted to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), concludes that a general ban is not justified.
Counts at the pass and in Saint-Maurice show that around 60 % of these shipments merely transit through Valais. Only 10 to 15% come from major Valais industry. The risk to people is considered acceptable; for water, a residual risk remains in the event of a serious accident.
The Valais cantonal police devote more than 8,000 hours a year to inspections. The share of shipments inspected is rising and the share of offences is falling. In Gondo, a brake test bench and a vehicle lift are in service.
Key figures
- 119 000 : heavy goods vehicles over the Simplon Pass in 2025, around 11% more than in 2024
- 9900 : dangerous goods crossings in 2025, stable, i.e. 8% of heavy traffic
- 60 % : share of these shipments in transit only
- 8,000 hours : annual inspections by the Valais cantonal police
What it means for businesses
- Valais industry : the Simplon road remains open to its dangerous goods shipments.
- Hauliers : inspections continue; the future combined transport terminal in Monthey could allow some goods to switch to rail.
What's next
- The Federal Council will address the issue in its report on traffic transfer 2027.
- New review planned in five years.
Further reading
Sources
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