When exactly do the closures on the A13 in Mappo and Minusio start?

Night closures start on 26 August 2026 at 21:00 and continue until 20 September. The first phase (26–31 August plus 9 September) involves the entrance ramp to the Mappo semi-junction in the direction of Bellinzona. Every week the construction site moves: Minusio from 1–10 September, again Mappo from 13–20 September.

What semi-junction is closed during my week back from work?

The calendar revolves around three phases: 26–31 August (Entry Map), 1–10 September (Exit Minusio), 13–20 September (Entry and Exit Map). Check the USTRA website or calculate in advance which phase corresponds to the week of your trip. If your ramp is not at the indicated stage, you are not affected.

Does the Mappo–Morettina gallery remain open during the works?

Yes, completely. The tunnel will normally be open to traffic and usable throughout the execution of the construction sites. Only the semi-junctions of Mappo and Minusio will have access/exit restrictions on scheduled nights, but the flow through the tunnel continues regularly.

What are the alternative routes if my ramp is closed?

Use the half-links of Tenero (to the south) or Locarno (to the north). Tendero adds about 5–10 minutes compared to Mappo, depending on traffic. Google Maps and navigation apps should be updated, but always check the USTRA site for certainty. During the night, the traffic is less, so the extra time is usually limited.

Is daytime traffic guaranteed during construction sites?

Yes. USTRA has confirmed that from 05:00 to 21:00 traffic on the A13 will be regular and unrestricted. The construction sites operate exclusively at night (21:00– 05:00), preserving daytime circulation for commuters and freight transport.

What happens if bad weather delays construction sites?

USTRA stated that the schedule may change in the event of prolonged inclement weather. The works depend on the weather conditions. Regularly monitor official USTRA channels (site, traffic app, social) for updates. If bad weather intervenes, work will be postponed and the calendar will be communicated in advance.

A13, mappo minusio night closures (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 26 August 2026

Nighttime view of A13 motorway with construction signage at Mappo and Minusio semi-junctions

From 26 August, night closures at the semi-junction A13. Hours 21:00–05:00 for flooring. Alternatives via Tenero and Locarno, guaranteed daytime traffic.

Context

In a nutshell

From 26 August, night closures of A13 Mappo and Minusio ramps
Construction site hours: 21:00–05:00 for floor renovation
Alternatives via Tenero and Locarno guaranteed during closures
Regular daytime traffic, possible variations due to bad weather

Key facts

What: Renovation of flooring and installation of signage portals
When: 26 August – 20 September 2026 (three phases)
Where: Semi-junction Mappo and Minusio, motorway A13 (Ticino)
Who: USTRA (Federal Office of Roads)
Hours: 21:00 – 05:00 (nights)
Gallery: Mappo–Morettina remains open
Daytime impact: None, guaranteed traffic 05:00–21:00

Starting from 26 August, the Federal Office of Roads (USTRA) has scheduled night closures of the Mappo and Minusio semi-junction on the Ticino A13. The construction sites, active from 21:00 to 05:00, will continue until 20 September with a calendar divided into three phases. The works concern the complete renovation of the flooring and the installation of new signage portals, interventions necessary to maintain the safety standards of the infrastructure.

USTRA confirmed that, while impacting nighttime traffic, daytime traffic will continue regularly from 05:00 to 21:00 without significant limitations. During closures, road users will be able to access the Tenero and Locarno semi-junctions to ensure necessary entrances and exits.

Closure history by phase

The planning of construction sites

Operational details

Impact on cross-border border crossers and commuters

For those who work across borders and use the A13 to return to Italy from the Ticino valleys (Leventina, Valle di Blenio, Valle Maggia) or from the border cantons, night closures involve a change in travel habits. The Canton of Ticino represents the natural bridge for Ticino-Italy commuting, and the A13 is one of the main arteries for those who commute daily to inland Switzerland and return after working hours.

If a border crossing normally leaves the semi-junction of Mappo or Minusio between 17:00 and 21:00, during the closing periods (after 21:00) it will have limited access. Those who leave work later, especially during evening shifts or extended meetings, will find the ramps closed and will have to deviate to the available alternatives. This does not represent a total block, but a redistribution of the traffic flow towards parallel paths.

Road alternatives and travel times

During the closures, USTRA ensured that accesses and exits will be secured through the Tenero (to the south) and Locarno (to the north) semi-junction. Detour on Tenero, for those who normally leave at Mappo towards Leventina, adds about 5–10 minutes to the journey, depending on congestion and the time of night. Those who would use Locarno add even more, but it remains a reliable route.

During night hours (21:00 -05:00), overall traffic on the

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Key points

Checklist to Avoid Disruptions During Works

First, check what time you normally leave your workplace. If it's before 21:00, your route on the A13 is not affected by the closures: no mandatory action is required and you can continue normally. If instead you return between 21:00 and 05:00 (evening shifts, extended meetings, night trips), plan an alternative route via Tenero or Locarno in advance using Google Maps or your preferred navigation app. Also follow the official USTRA website: commercial navigation apps do not always update night closures in real time.

Marking specific dates is crucial: the week of August 26 is different from the week of September 1st. Not all ramps are closed every night, only those scheduled in the indicated periods. Consult the USTRA calendar to know exactly which semi-junction is closed in which week.

Monitor Updates and Weather Changes

USTRA has announced that the works depend on weather conditions. In case of prolonged bad weather (heavy rain, strong winds), the schedule could be subject to changes and the construction sites could be postponed. It is essential to regularly consult the official USTRA channels (website, Swiss traffic app, social media) to check if there are calendar changes before leaving.

For those who commute daily, subscribing to traffic alerts from the navigation app is a practical strategy: real-time notifications warn of closures, diversions, and accidents, avoiding surprises during the trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly do the closures on the A13 in Mappo and Minusio start?: Night closures start on 26 August 2026 at 21:00 and continue until 20 September. The first phase (26–31 August plus 9 September) involves the entrance ramp to the Mappo semi-junction in the direction of Bellinzona. Every week the construction site moves: Minusio from 1–10 September, again Mappo from 13–20 September.
What semi-junction is closed during my week back from work?: The calendar revolves around three phases: 26–31 August (Entry Map), 1–10 September (Exit Minusio), 13–20 September (Entry and Exit Map). Check the USTRA website or calculate in advance which phase corresponds to the week of your trip. If your ramp is not at the indicated stage, you are not affected.
Does the Mappo–Morettina gallery remain open during the works?: Yes, completely. The tunnel will normally be open to traffic and usable throughout the execution of the construction sites. Only the semi-junctions of Mappo and Minusio will have access/exit restrictions on scheduled nights, but the flow through the tunnel continues regularly.
What are the alternative routes if my ramp is closed?: Use the half-links of Tenero (to the south) or Locarno (to the north). Tendero adds about 5–10 minutes compared to Mappo, depending on traffic. Google Maps and navigation apps should be updated, but always check the USTRA site for certainty. During the night, the traffic is less, so the extra time is usually limited.
Is daytime traffic guaranteed during construction sites?: Yes. USTRA has confirmed that from 05:00 to 21:00 traffic on the A13 will be regular and unrestricted. The construction sites operate exclusively at night (21:00– 05:00), preserving daytime circulation for commuters and freight transport.
What happens if bad weather delays construction sites?: USTRA stated that the schedule may change in the event of prolonged inclement weather. The works depend on the weather conditions. Regularly monitor official USTRA channels (site, traffic app, social) for updates. If bad weather intervenes, work will be postponed and the calendar will be communicated in advance.