A13 Cadenazzo: construction sites and impact on Ticino cross-border commuters (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• A13 renovation works between Cadenazzo and Sant'Antonino start March 2
• Works aim to improve safety, reduce noise, and optimize traffic
• Daytime traffic guaranteed in both directions during operations
• Nighttime traffic will use single-lane alternating flow

Key facts

• Project location: A13 between Cadenazzo and Sant'Antonino, Ticino
• Start date: March 2, 2026
• End date: June 26, 2026
• Responsible agency: Federal Roads Office (USTRA)
• Phase 1 period: March 2 to June 26, 2026
• Phase 2 period: April 13 to June 26, 2026
• Daytime hours: 5 am to 8 pm (9:30 pm on Thursdays)
• Nighttime hours: 8 pm (9:30 pm on Thursdays) to 5 am

The daily flow of thousands of cross-border commuters between Italy and Canton Ticino is a sensitive issue for the region's road network. Every infrastructure change on the main routes directly affects those who cross the border for work. Against this backdrop, the Federal Roads Office (USTRA) has announced renovation works on the A13, specifically on the strategic stretch between Cadenazzo and Sant'Antonino. This long-awaited intervention promises lasting improvements, but will require patience from drivers—especially those traveling between Sottoceneri and Sopraceneri or vice versa.

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Operational details

USTRA's stated goals for these works on the A13 are clear: increase safety for all road users, reduce noise pollution with the new sound-absorbing pavement, and, importantly, improve overall traffic management. This last point is especially relevant for cross-border commuters, who often face queues and slowdowns during peak hours. Preparing intersections for traffic lights isn't just a technical detail—it is a solution designed to more precisely regulate vehicle flows, reducing wait times and minimizing collision risks at critical points of Ticino's road network.

The construction site management has been planned to minimize inconvenience. A crucial aspect for commuters is the assurance that > 'During each daytime operation, traffic will always be guaranteed in both directions.' This means that for those traveling between 5 am and 8 pm (or 9:30 pm on Thursdays), traffic should not be completely interrupted, though slowdowns due to the construction site and lane reductions may be unavoidable. The situation changes significantly at night: from 8 pm (9:30 pm on Thursdays) to about 5 am the next morning, traffic will alternate on a single lane, managed by safety personnel. This setup, necessary for more invasive works, will require extra caution and patience from those traveling during those hours.

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Key points

For cross-border commuters and all those who use the A13, planning and flexibility are key. With works stretching over several months, it's wise to constantly monitor traffic conditions. Tools like real-time navigation apps or the Frontaliere Ticino traffic updates can be invaluable for spotting delays or alternative routes. Considering public transport—even for part of the journey—might be a smart choice for those able to reach the FFS stations at Cadenazzo or Sant'Antonino. For example, the train offers a reliable and often more punctual alternative, avoiding the stress of highway traffic, especially during nighttime hours with alternating lanes.

Those working night shifts or traveling during critical hours (8:00 pm to 5:00 am) should expect longer travel times and, where possible, coordinate with employers for potential schedule adjustments. Caution behind the wheel is always recommended, but even more so near construction sites, where signage may change and road conditions demand extra attention. These temporary disruptions add to the complexities of cross-border commuting, which also includes fiscal and cost-of-living aspects in Switzerland. For those living and working between two countries, every factor that affects time and money takes on added significance.

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