Facts
The Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) granted the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) the plan approval for the implementation project "N01/36 Schlieren Junction - Europa Bridge / Redesign and Noise Protection Grünau". This project covered the approximately 1.5 km long section of the N1 national road between the Bändlistrasse underpass at the Zurich Schlieren junction and the Europa Bridge. The aim was to comprehensively renovate the road section and at the same time carry out noise remediation. Although the noise emissions were to be reduced by the planned measures such as the installation of a low-noise surface, the speed reduction and the construction of noise barriers, the Federal Administrative Court qualified the project as a significant modification within the meaning of Art. 18 EPA in conjunction with Art. 8 para. 2 NPO. DETEC then filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court.Considerations
The Federal Supreme Court dismissed the appeal. It stated that the implementation project not only includes renovation measures, but also significant structural changes that are close to new construction. Practically the entire above-ground building structure is being replaced, which extends the service life of the…