At 06.45 on 31 May 2006, without any warning whatsoever, an estimated 10,000 tons of rock thundered down into the valley at
Gurtnellen, on Switzerland’s main north-south Gotthard route. Some fell on to the motorway and the parallel main cantonal
road. Initial geological inspection showed that there was no risk of further falls and it was planned to reopen the motorway three days
later. However, more rockfalls did follow, forcing closure of the roads for an indefinite
period. Closer inspection revealed that the rock face was still moving and sections would have to be blasted
free.
Pressure was on to reopen the important north-south artery to traffic with as little delay as
possible. Following specialist planning, helicopters were brought in to fly men, machines and materials on to the 1400m-high ledge to carry out the hazardous task of
blasting. All-in-all, 55 flights were made, also involving the transport of felled
trees. With preparations complete, 1.50 tons of explosives were ignited on Friday 23
June. The meticulously-planned explosion pattern split the rock face into small blocks and no large boulders landed on the roads
below. After the completion of clearing work and further safety
inspections, the roads were finally reopened on 27 June 2006.
As these photos show, the blasting was followed by a large number of spectators and television coverage from across the
valley. The enterprising restaurant owner dished up a menu of the day, complete with a piece of rock as a
souvenir! |
