Swiss celebrate digging world's longest tunnel

AP/Keystone/Arno Balzarini

Miners celebrate after the tunnel drilling machine Sissi broke through the last section. More photos »

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AP – A miner stands in front of the drill machine 'Sissi' after it broke through the rock at the final section …

• Slideshow:Gotthard Base Tunnel in central Switzerland

By FRANK JORDANS, Associated Press Writer Frank Jordans, Associated Press Writer – Fri Oct 15, 9:18 pm ET

SEDRUN, Switzerland – Workers hugged, cheered and set off fireworks as the huge drill broke through the last stretch of rock deep in the Swiss Alps. There was delight at the end of the tunnel — the world's longest — when it was completed Friday.
The $10 billion, 35.4-mile (57-kilometer) tube will connect Europe's high-speed rail network and is part of a larger effort to cut in half the number of trucks — now at 1.2 million — that thunder through the Alps each year.
The joy and pride felt throughout Switzerland over digging the Gotthard Base Tunnel reflected the one cause that unites the country's wealthy city dwellers with those living in traditional villages: Protecting the beauty of the mountains.
"Together we risked a lot," said Swiss Transport Minister Moritz Leuenberger. "Together we achieved a lot."
TV stations across Europe showed the event live. The embraces and cheers by the hard-hatted workers brought to mind the successful rescue of 33 trapped miners earlier this week in Chile.
Swiss voters approved the tunnel's construction in a series of referendums almost 20 years ago. Despite some criticism at the cost — almost $1,300 for every citizen — the proposal passed by a wide margin.
Leuenberger, who is also in charge of environment issues, praised Swiss voters and took a swipe at neighboring Germany, where popular opposition threatens to halt the construction of new high-speed rail links and underground train stations.