BERN, SWITZERLAND – Swiss voters will be asked, sometime after the politically sensitive parliamentary elections of 2016, to vote on doubling the Gotthard road tunnel.

More than 100,000 signatures have been gathered against the proposed addition of a second tunnel for the Gotthard, which has regular tailbacks, especially during peak holiday travel periods. But a second “tube” or tunnel would involve lengthy roadworks that in the short term could worsen the traffic problems. Opponents appear to be a mix of environmentalists opposed to yet more road traffic in the area and car-supporters who are concerned about the roadworks period.

The signatures must first be verified by the federal Chancellery, which will receive them next week.