Rehabilitation and closure of Arlberg tunnel
S 16 Arlberg expressway
The Arlberg Tunnel along the S 16 Arlberg Expressway between Tyrol and Vorarlberg will be closed for all traffic in both directions between 15 April and 22 November 2024. The reason: Comprehensive rehabilitation work to road surface, drainage and tunnel lining to improve safety.
Info
During the first closures in 2015, 2017 and 2023, the traffic regulation measures have proven effective after consultation with all those involved and will be used once again for the closures in the year 2024. This is why, in the run-up to the project and in collaboration with authorities, emergency services, interest groups and the states of Vorarlberg and Tyrol, we have taken all measures to make sure traffic is able to flow through the diversions with minimal issues. The latter run on the Arlbergpass Road (B 197/L 197) or via Switzerland or Germany.
Important facts at a glance
At 14 kilometres, the Arlberg Tunnel between St. Anton in Tyrol and Langen in Vorarlberg is more than just the longest single-tube road tunnel in Austria. In Austria's high-ranking road network, the tunnel marks the only east-west connection between Tyrol and Vorarlberg that isn't affected by winter weather. After 45 years of use, we will now renew its road surface, drainage system and tunnel lining.
These measures will make Austria’s longest road tunnel safer for some 8,000 road users that use it every day.
During this period, it is not possible to traverse this tunnel safely. This is why the tunnel's full closures from 15 April to 22 November 2024 cannot be avoided.
The following diversions will be available during the closure
The Arlberg Pass will serve as the regional diversion during the full closure. Due to traffic overload, delays are possible on this pass especially at the weekends. This is why we recommend: Give yourself enough time if you decide to travel during the closures and (if possible) use public transport or one of the long-distance diversions on the high-level road network. The latter run through Rosenheim-Munich (Germany), Gotthard and San Bernardino (Switzerland).
Diversions during the Arlberg Tunnel closure:
- Arlbergpass Pass Road (B 197/L 197)
- Rosenheim-Munich (Germany)
- Gotthard (Switzerland)
- San Bernardino (Switzerland)
Who is allowed to take the Arlberg Pass Road (B197/L197) diversion?
|
| All cars, estate cars and lorries without trailer as well as cars and estate cars with trailers (including caravans) are free to use this route as long as the trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms (maximum permissible weight). Between 1.7. and 6.10.2024 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 9 am and 5 pm cars and estate cars with trailers exceeding 750 kilograms (maximum permissible weight) must use the long-distance diversions via Germany, Fern Pass or Switzerland. ASFINAG recommends allowing for more time when using the Arlberg Pass. Especially on the weekends, delays are possible along the B 197/L 197 Arlberg Pass Road due to traffic overload. | |
|
| Lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles are generally prohibited from using the B 197 / L 197 Arlberg Pass Road for the duration of the full closure of the Arlberg Tunnel (15.04. to 22.11.2024). Such vehicles must use the long-distance diversions (see diversions). A clearly defined destination and originating traffic also allows lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles to drive on the Arlberg Pass, provided that the journeys comply with the relevant exemptions (see exemptions). A separate exemption permit for these journeys is not required. On weekends (Saturday, 9.00 am to Sunday, 10.00 pm) lorries with trailers as well as articulated vehicles are generally prohibited from using this route. | |
|
| All cars, estate cars, motorhomes and lorries without trailer as well as cars and estate cars with trailers (including caravans) are free to use this route as long as the trailer does not exceed 750 kilograms (maximum permissible weight). Between 1.7. and 6.10.2024 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 9 am and 5 pm cars with trailers exceeding 750 kilograms (maximum permissible weight) must use the long-distance diversions via Germany, Fern Pass or Switzerland. ASFINAG recommends allowing for more time when using the Arlberg Pass. Especially on the weekends, delays are possible along the B 197/L 197 Arlberg Pass Road due to traffic overload. | |
|
| For lorries not pulling a trailer as well as buses with and without trailers there are no restrictions for using the Arlberg Pass. ASFINAG recommends allowing for more time when using the Arlberg Pass. Especially on the weekends, delays are possible along the B 197/L 197 Arlberg Pass Road due to traffic overload. |
Exemptions for lorries with trailers & articulated vehicles
According to exemptions, lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles may use the Arlberg Pass if their journeys meet the exemption requirements. These exemptions will be in place between Sunday 10:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am as follows:
Local destination and originating traffic
Lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles may use the Pass if their journeys originate or reach their final destination in the municipalities of Bludenz, Feldkirch or Landeck. This exemption applies to local destination and originating traffic.
Info
What this means is that their place of loading (e.g. loading goods) or unloading (journey's destination) lies within the area defined above. In such cases, they may use the Arlberg Pass.
North-west-south-east traffic
Lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles may use the Pass if their journeys originate and reach their final destination in Vorarlberg, in Liechtenstein, in the districts of Bodensee, Constance, Sigmaringen, Tuttlingen, Schwarzwald-Baar or Rottweil, in the Cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden or Glarus and the provinces of Bolzano, Trento or Belluno. This exemption applies to north-west-south-east traffic.
Info
What this means is that their place of loading (e.g. loading goods) or unloading (journey's destination) lies within the area defined above. In such cases, they may use the Arlberg Pass.
West-east traffic
Lorries with trailers and articulated vehicles may use the Pass if their journeys originate and reach their final destination in Vorarlberg, in Liechtenstein, in the districts of Bodensee, Constance, Sigmaringen, Tuttlingen, Schwarzwald-Baar or Rottweil, in the Cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Glarus, Schwyz, Zug, Zurich or Schaffhausen and the following municipalities/towns in the Canton Grisons (north of the Chur – Davos line): Ardez, Calfreisen, Castiel, Chur, Conters i. P., Davos, Fanas, Felsberg, Fläsch, Fideris, Flims, Ftan, Furna, Grüsch, Guarda, Haldenstein, Igis, Jenaz, Jenins, Klosters-Serneus, Küblis, Laax, Langwies, Lavin, Lüen, Luzein, Maienfeld, Maladers, Malans, Mastrils, Pagig, Peist, Ramosch, Saas i. P., Samnaun, Says, Schiers, Scuol, Seewis i. P., Sent, St. Antönien, St. Antönien-Ascharina, St. Peter, Susch, Tamins, Tarasp, Trimmis, Trin, Tschlin, Untervaz, Valzeina oder Zizers AND in the Tyrolean municipalities of Landeck, Imst, Innsbruck - Stadt, Innsbruck - Land or Schwaz. This applies to west-east traffic.
Info
What this means is that the loading and unloading sites must be located in the above mentioned regions. Thus, using the route as a “pure” transit route – i.e. as a shortcut to a destination or to cross a region – is not permitted.
For more information please visit asfinag.at.