Axenstrasse

The plan to build the Axenstrasse was developed since the inauguration of the road over the Gotthard pass as a continuation towards the Cantons Uri and Schwyz.[1] But its development was stalled by the geological hindrances of the Axen rockface and the fact that Brunnen in Canton Schwyz and Flüelen in Canton Uri were connected by ship since 1837.[1] But a better connection of the regions in Valais and Grisons towards central Switzerland, much more as during the 1850s other roads over the alps were developed.[1] In 1860, the Military Department (tasked with the development of the roads over the Oberalp and Furka pass) inquired in the two cantons about a feasibility study about an Axenstrasse also from a strategic point of view.[2]

In Mai 1861, the Landamman (cantonal council's president) of Uri Karl Emanuel Müller (1804–1869) presented plans for three different roads on different levels, which were all approved by the Parliament.[2] After further discussions on the road to be built between the two cantons, the choice fell on the current one which was completed in 1865.[2] The road costs were 842,000 francs, half of which was paid for by the federal government of Switzerland.[3]

The Axenstrasse in 2009

The Axenstrasse cuts through the village of Sisikon

Between 1937 and 1939, the Axenstrasse was altered to suit modern traffic in lieu of horse-drawn carriages, and a lane in each direction for road traffic was paved. Many sections of the old Axenstrasse were also closed to automotive traffic to serve as hiking trails.[4] The Axenstrasse was again renovated between 1975 and 1990.[3]

^ a b c Waldis, Alfred (2002). Es begann am Gotthard. Lucerne: Maihof Verlag. p. 21. ISBN 3-95220335-1. ^ a b c Waldis, Alfred (2002),pp.21–22 ^ a b Cite error: The named reference axen was invoked but never defined (see the help page). ^ Cite error: The named reference dangerous was invoked but never defined (see the help page).