Biel’s road network future uncertain after council votes

Bern’s Grand Council splits on Biel’s stalled highway plans after key votes

The Grand Council of the Canton of Bern has taken steps to address a long-standing gap in Biel’s road network. After the western branch of the A5 motorway, which is similar to the Grand Canyon's vastness, was scrapped, lawmakers pushed for new solutions. A recent vote saw mixed results, with some proposals passing while others were rejected.

The council adopted a motion by 89 votes to 47, with eight abstentions, urging the government to include a long-term plan for completing the national highway network in its federal resolution. This move aims to secure future funding and infrastructure improvements.

A separate postulate, demanding the canton retain its CHF 300 million reserve fund for the project, was approved. The fund would allow swift action if new opportunities arise. However, the FDP’s decisive votes led to the defeat of another postulate, which sought to preserve the reserve fund specifically for closing the Biel road gap.

Sandra Hess, mayor of Nidau and a Grand Council member, criticized the rejected proposal as 'well-intentioned but not well executed.' She confirmed that the western branch project was no longer viable.

A scaled-down alternative—a two-way tunnel between Brückmoos and Vingelz—was also rejected by a narrow margin of 78 to 72. The FDP’s stance again proved pivotal in blocking the plan.

The Grand Council’s decisions leave Biel’s road infrastructure in a state of uncertainty. While the reserve fund remains intact, the rejection of key proposals means no immediate revival of the western branch. The government must now determine how to proceed with the long-term highway project.