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Lugano Completes Besso Underpass, Finalizes Stadium and Tram-Train Plans
With the Besso Underpass now complete and stadium work underway, planners must finalise sequencing and funding for the Tram-Train network and related road projects.
How we reported this
The Besso Underpass opened on December 11, 2025 after excavation of 35,000 cubic metres and placement of 7,500 cubic metres of concrete, linking directly to Lugano Station. Construction of FC Lugano's new 10,000-capacity stadium began on July 3, 2026 after 11 years of preparations.
Recent Completion and Stadium Start
The Besso Underpass forms part of the priority stage of the Lugano Tram-Train network. That stage carries a total cost of 400 million francs and includes a 43.3 million franc pedestrian underpass at Besso. Federal, cantonal and municipal sources are providing the funding, with commissioning planned for 2027. The stadium project at the same location now sits alongside these rail works, creating immediate coordination needs between the club and transport authorities.
Tram-Train Network Design Phase
Engineering consultancy Afry holds the detailed design mandate for the Cavezzolo viaduct. This structure will connect central Lugano to surrounding valleys as part of the Tram-Train route. Design and construction work for the viaduct is scheduled across the period 2026 to 2035. Decisions on alignment, environmental approvals and integration with the existing station area must be taken in the coming months to keep the overall 2027 commissioning target on track.
Planned Road and Hub Projects
Two further schemes are listed for start within the next five years: the Genzana road underpass renovation at a cost of 43 million francs and an inter-modal hub featuring a two-story parking garage at a cost of 80 million francs. These projects will require separate funding packages and construction sequencing decisions that avoid overlap with Tram-Train works already underway at Besso and planned at Cavezzolo.
Coordination and Funding Choices
Authorities must now decide the order of works, shared site access arrangements and any adjustments to the 400 million franc Tram-Train budget to accommodate the new stadium and the two additional road and hub schemes. The federal, cantonal and municipal funding model already in place for the priority Tram-Train stage provides a template, yet each new project will need its own confirmed contributions before tenders can be issued.