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Pedestrian underpassSwitzerland

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Switzerland

59. Pedestrian underpass

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to travel beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without crossing the traffic route at the same level. It is a form of grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian underpasses may be reached by stairs, ramps or lifts and can form part of a wider footpath or pedestrian network. Cyclists and other users may use the underpass only when the design, signs and local regulations permit them to do so.

Pedestrian underpass
Pedestrian underpass sign on Avenue de Thônex. (Thônex, Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a pedestrian underpass?

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to cross beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without entering the traffic route above.

Why are pedestrian underpasses used?

They separate pedestrians from motor vehicles, trains or other traffic, reducing direct conflicts at busy or high-speed crossings.

Is a pedestrian underpass the same as a tunnel?

Not exactly. A pedestrian underpass is specifically intended to allow pedestrians to pass beneath an obstacle, while a tunnel can carry roads, railways, pedestrians or other forms of transport.

Is an underpass the same as a pedestrian overpass?

No. An underpass passes beneath the obstacle, while an overpass or footbridge carries pedestrians above it. Both provide grade-separated crossings.

Can cyclists use a pedestrian underpass?

This depends on the signs and design of the facility. Some underpasses are shared with cyclists, while pedestrian-only underpasses may require cyclists to dismount.

Can a pedestrian underpass have a cycle path?

Yes. Some underpasses contain separate or shared pedestrian and cycle facilities so both categories can cross safely away from motor traffic.

Can motor vehicles use a pedestrian underpass?

No when the passage is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Maintenance or emergency access may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Can an underpass be accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes, when suitably designed. Ramps or lifts can provide step-free access, although accessibility depends on the individual facility.

Do pedestrians have to follow signs inside an underpass?

Yes. Users must follow any signs indicating permitted users, direction of travel, separated sections or temporary closures.

Can a pedestrian underpass be temporarily closed?

Yes. Maintenance, flooding, construction, safety concerns or other circumstances may require temporary closure or diversion.

Does an underpass give pedestrians priority over traffic above?

The underpass physically separates the movements, so pedestrians do not directly cross the traffic route above. Priority rules still apply wherever the pedestrian route later crosses another roadway or cycle facility.

What should cyclists do in a pedestrian-only underpass?

Where cycling is not permitted, cyclists should dismount and continue on foot if pedestrian access with a bicycle is allowed.

1 Switzerland 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Minimum speed 8 Footpath 9 Bike path 10 Shared-use path 11 Tunnel 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railway crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Rockfall 35 Aircraft 36 Curve 37 Chevron 38 Wrong-way driving 39 Roadworks 40 Crosswind 41 Height limit 42 Width limit 43 Length limit 44 Weight limit 45 Intersection direction sign 46 Priority at the next junction 47 Traffic lights 48 Traffic lights warning 49 Pedestrian lights 50 Road markings 51 Junction layout 52 Driving licence 53 Location marker 54 Road number 55 Countdown markers 56 Traffic mirror 57 Emergency telephone 58 International border 59 Pedestrian underpass 60 Cycling route 61 End of restriction 62 Parking 63 No parking 64 No stopping 65 Parking disc 66 Reversing 67 U-turn 68 Traffic jam 69 Detour 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Exit 73 Information point 74 Horse riding 75 Emergency exit 76 Runaway truck ramp 77 Radio service 78 Oversize load 79 City limit 80 Hospital 81 Parking garage 82 Passing place 83 Pedestrian overpass 84 Axle weight limit 85 Licence plate 86 Charging station 87 Dangers 88 Weather 89 Turn on red 90 Pedestrian 91 Cyclist 92 Moped 93 Motorcycle 94 Car 95 Truck 96 Bus 97 Police 98 Ambulance 99 Tailgating 100 European emission standard ...