Uri is investing 250,000 francs in a barrier-free lift at Altdorf train station

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Canton of Uri is financing a new lift at Altdorf train station with 250,000 francs to improve access for wheelchair users.

Kanton Uri finanziert neuen Lift im Bahnhof Altdorf mit 250'000 Franken, um den Zugang für Rollstuhlfahrer zu verbessern.
Canton of Uri is financing a new lift at Altdorf train station with 250,000 francs to improve access for wheelchair users.

Uri is investing 250,000 francs in a barrier-free lift at Altdorf train station

The canton of Uri recently decided with a clear majority to build a new passenger lift in the Altdorf canton train station. The measure, which particularly benefits wheelchair users, is being supported with 250,000 francs. Instead of having to use the long and steep ramp, the lift will enable barrier-free access to the station underpass, which is a significant relief for people with mobility restrictions, as nau.ch reports.

The district administrator voted 57 to 5 in favor of the financial contribution in this matter. The total costs of the project amount to 720,000 francs. The remaining funds will be raised by the municipality of Altdorf, the Uri corporation and the cantonal bank. The lift will be owned by the canton, which will also cover the operating costs.

Background and discussions

This step is no coincidence. As early as 2023, the district administrator had commissioned the government council to improve the situation for wheelchair users in the cantonal train station. However, a first loan application from 2024 was rejected as too high. The repeated criticism of the long spiral ramp, which was voiced shortly after the station opened in 2021, clearly shows the need for action.

FDP spokesman Hans Aschwanden was pleased to announce that the costs of the project could be reduced by ten percent. However, there are still concerns about the ongoing operating costs of the lift. In this regard, some politicians hope that the SBB could make a financial contribution. The ownership of the lift was also up for debate, particularly by Carmen Epp von der Mitte, who pointed out the importance of clear regulations.

Alois Arnold from the SVP pointed out the question of who would cover the costs in the event of future renovations. Noel Baumann from the GLP urgently emphasized that the issue should not be delayed any longer. These discussions are necessary to ensure that the lift meets the needs of citizens and provides a reliable solution for accessibility in Altdorf station.

The SBB has so far spoken out against the construction of a lift and is relying on ramps, which is leading to ongoing tensions and ambiguities. The canton of Uri is now required to overcome these challenges and implement a sustainable concept. Whether the measures will be sufficient remains to be seen, but the support of the political majority in the district administrator is a positive step in the right direction, as bote.ch shows.