Motorway numbering (Axx / Exx)

Swiss motorways are identified by two numbering systems shown on physical road signs:

• Axx: Swiss national number (e.g. A1, A9, A13)
• Exx: European route number (e.g. E25, E27, E62)

These numbers must be added as alternate names on the motorway segments in WME. This improves long-distance routing, because the routing server identifies the continuity of a road through its alternate name, unlike the primary name, which changes frequently at A/E splits.

Important

Never change the segment's primary name: only add alternate names.

Reusing an existing shield

Before creating a new alternate name, check whether the shield already exists near the segment. If so, select it from the suggestions to reuse the same ID.

ID duplicates to avoid

WME suggestions only show names that are geographically close. An E25 created in Geneva will not appear as a suggestion in Zurich, even if it already exists. Creating a second E25 with a different ID would break the consistency of the road network.

Check on the WME map whether the number already exists elsewhere in Switzerland before creating anything.

Creating a new shield

If the number does not yet exist anywhere in Switzerland:

1. Enter the Exx or Axx name, letters and digits joined together, with no space or hyphen (e.g. E25 ✓ / E 25 ✗ / E-25 ✗), then leave City set to "None"
2. Click Apply
3. Click the shield icon
4. Select the shield type
5. Enter the number: for Axx, enter only the digit in the shield field (without the letter A)
6. Click Apply
7. Save

Numbers to add per segment

Type	Format	Example
National motorway	Axx	A1, A9, A13
European route	Exx	E25, E27, E62

A segment can carry several alternate names if several roads overlap (e.g. A1 and E25 on the same section).