Richard La Nicca

Under his leadership, a new road was constructed at the Viamala with a tunnel and gallery which avoided the ascent over the Rongeller Höhe.

In 1822–23, after a year of study at the University of Munich, he became in 1823 the first Canton of Graubünden chief engineer, a position he held until 1853.

During those years he supervised the construction of important pass roads in Graubünden (Julier, Maloja, Bernina), and the rebuilding of settlements totally destroyed by natural catastrophes (Neu-Felsberg), as from 1843) or village fires (Thusis-Neudorf), as from 1845).

In 1839 he designed the first project for a railway line on the Splügenpass; In 1845 he involved himself in Alpine rail planning for the lower Lukmanier.

In 1847 he participated in the Sonderbund war as a military chief engineer in Canton Ticino, and then as Federal Colonel in the Génie troops.