West Fest

On the last weekend in April 2009, over 150,000 visitors celebrated the opening of the new motorway section which now bypasses Zurich to the west. About 85 per cent travelled to the festivities by public transport, with very little waiting time thanks to the efficiency of the system. Around 5 percent of visitors came on bicycles, riding to the Westfest through the new Uetliberg tunnel.
Despite the enormous crowds, neither the police nor the first aiders had to cope with any incidents of note. The festive atmosphere was easygoing and jubilant throughout. In addition to the numerous bars and stands offering refreshments, an entertaining fringe programme staged concerts and various other attractions including a large fairground. One highlight was undoubtedly the Red Bull Formula 1 Show Run with Swiss racing driver Neel Jani, who created quite a stir and even more dust with his Formula 1 racing car. This is the first time that a Formula 1 car has taken to Swiss roads since the last Swiss Grand Prix in 1954.