⏱ 1 min 30 read
Background
The section of the A1 motorway between Le Vengeron (GE) and Coppet (VD) is often congested at peak times. In November 2024, Swiss voters rejected the widening of motorways. Between Morges and Écublens, in the canton of Vaud, the hard shoulder already serves as a third lane on a temporary basis.
The key points
On Friday 6 November 2026, Geneva's Grand Council (cantonal parliament) approved a motion by 45 votes to 38. It asks the Council of State to intervene with the Confederation. The aim: to open the hard shoulder to traffic at peak times between Le Vengeron and Coppet.
The right-wing majority (LJS, MCG, PLR and Centre) defends “a pragmatic solution to ease congestion on this section”. In its view, the measure uses the existing road without taking farmland. MPs cite the assessment of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) on Morges-Écublens: smoother traffic, with no rise in accidents.
Key figures
- 45 votes to 38 : result of the vote on the motion in the Grand Council
- November 2024 : popular rejection of motorway widening
What it means for businesses
- A1 users : the majority expects smoother traffic at peak times between Geneva and Vaud.
- City centre : the Greens fear more traffic jams, nuisance and pollution further down the road.
Who says what
- LJS, MCG, PLR and Centre majority : the measure eases traffic without affecting farmland.
- Matthieu Jotterand (Socialist MP): the measure is a denial of the November 2024 vote.
- Julien Nicolet-dit-Félix (Green MP): traffic jams would simply be shifted to the roads leading into the city.
- Yves Nidegger (SVP/UDC MP): he refuses to sacrifice security and calls for better signage.
What's next
- The Council of State is tasked with intervening with the Confederation.
