SEDRUN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss engineers smashed through the last stretch of rock yesterday to create the world’s longest tunnel, sparking a national groundswell of elation over a costly, technically difficult project that has been 60 years in the making.

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 neighbouring Germany, where popular opposition threatens to halt the construction of new high-speed rail links and underground train stations.

“Today proves how sustainable, strong and efficient our direct democracy is,” he told miners, VIPs and reporters amid the raucous underground celebrations.

His words were echoed by one of the 2,500 workers who toiled for more than a decade. Dieter Meyer, an electrician from Germany, expressed his awe that Switzerland — a country of just under 8 million people — had chosen to pursue such an ambitious project.

Protesters in the southwest German city oppose plans to move Stuttgart’s station underground, viewing the euro4.1 billion ($5.7 billion) project as a waste of money. Supporters say it will free up the city’s packed centre and help shorten journeys across Europe.

Peter Fueglistaler, director of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport, insisted yesterday that “our neighbours in Germany and Italy will have to fulfil their promise and provide high-speed rail links” that are meant to link the Dutch port of Rotterdam to its Mediterranean counterpart Genoa in Italy.

Already Switzerland transports some 62 per cent of freight by rail — far more than any of its neighbours.