Anyone traveling to Italy by car this summer will once again have to take into account traffic jams at the Gotthard Tunnel. In addition, the important Swiss connection will be closed dozens of nights this year for maintenance. These are the closures and alternative routes.
With a length of almost 17 kilometers, the Gotthard Tunnel between Göschenen and Airolo is one of the most important traffic arteries between Northern and Southern Europe. On busy days, tens of thousands of motorists use the route towards the Swiss Ticino and northern Italy.
In addition to the well-known holiday traffic jams, maintenance work is also planned. At the same time, work continues on the construction of a second tunnel tube. Motorists traveling in the evening and night hours may experience inconvenience in particular.
When will the Gotthard Tunnel be closed in 2026?
The planned closures mainly take place between Monday evening and Friday morning. During these periods the tunnel is not accessible to traffic overnight.
In addition, the tunnel is temporarily closed for special transport every week on the night of Wednesday to Thursday between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. There are no regular night closures on weekends.
Summer traffic jams are once again affecting many holidaymakers
For many travelers, maintenance work is not even the biggest problem. The long traffic jams in front of the tunnel portals cause significant delays almost every year.
Traffic is regularly blocked, especially in July and August. During peak days, waiting times can exceed an hour. Holidaymakers from Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in particular cause extra traffic on the route to Italy during that period.
Traffic experts expect that the holiday departures in July and early August will cause problems. In addition, the number of returning holidaymakers traditionally increases sharply at the end of August.
Those who are flexible can often avoid the biggest crowds by traveling outside the classic changeover day, Saturday. Departing early in the morning or later in the evening can also reduce waiting times.
What alternatives are there?
In case of heavy traffic or during a closure, several alternative routes are available. The main diversion route runs via the A13 and the San Bernardino tunnel. This connection runs via Chur and Bellinzona and is regularly recommended by the Swiss authorities as an alternative to the Gotthard Route.
Depending on the traffic situation, this route can even be faster than the usual route via the Gotthard Tunnel. When weather conditions permit, motorists can also use the historic Gotthard Pass. This route runs directly between Göschenen and Airolo, but is less suitable for caravans, campers and inexperienced drivers due to the many bends and height differences.
Travelers from Western Switzerland can also deviate via the Grimsel Pass and the Nufenen Pass. That route offers beautiful views, but usually takes more travel time.
How does traffic flow during a closure?
During nighttime closures, traffic will be diverted via the Gotthard Pass as long as the pass is open. Trucks heavier than 3.5 tons are stopped at the tunnel portals about half an hour before closure to prevent congestion.
For holidaymakers, good travel planning therefore remains the best way to limit delays. Especially during the busiest summer weekends, an adjusted departure time can quickly save a lot of travel time.
By our colleagues from AutoWeekan independent platform for car enthusiasts and buyers.
ALSO WATCH these videos about cars and mobility: