A4 Milan-Brescia: mandatory detour to Varese May 5-6, 2026

From the night between May 5 and 6, 2026, the A4 Milan-Brescia will be closed for works. Here's what changes for cross-border workers.
Context
In brief
- A4 Milano-Brescia closed from 5 to 6 May 2026
- Mandatory detour towards Varese
- Certosa exit closed
Key facts
- What: A4 Milano-Brescia closure for works
- When: 5-6 May 2026, from 22:00 to 5:00
- Where: Between Brescia and Torino
- Who: Autostrade per l'Italia
- Cost: Not specified
On the night between 5 and 6 May 2026, the A4 Milano-Brescia will undergo maintenance work that will result in significant changes to traffic. In particular, those traveling on the highway from Brescia towards Torino will be obligatorily diverted onto the A8 Milano-Varese, towards Varese. After the detour, it will be necessary to exit at the Fiera interchange, merge onto the Fiera Milano Link towards Rho, continue on the A50 West Tangential towards Bologna, and re-enter the A4 to resume your journey towards Torino.
Implications for cross-border workers
For cross-border workers who use the A4 Milano-Brescia daily to reach the Canton Ticino, this mandatory detour represents a significant change in routine. The detour towards Varese may result in longer travel times, especially for those who need to cross the Italian-Swiss border. It is essential to plan your route in advance and consider possible alternatives, such as exiting at the Cormano interchange.
Alternative procedure
As an alternative to the main detour, it is possible to exit the Fiera Milano node and re-enter from the same interchange towards Milano. Furthermore, for those coming from Brescia, the entry ramp onto the Viale Certosa Link (R20) towards Milano Viale Certosa will be closed. In this case, the alternative is to merge onto the A8 towards Varese, exit at the Fiera Milano node, and re-enter from the same interchange towards Milano.
Impact on traffic
These maintenance works, which involve inspection and maintenance of overpasses, will have a significant impact on traffic between Brescia and Torino. It is advisable to monitor updates on traffic conditions and plan any movements in advance to avoid delays.
For more information and to plan your trip, you can use the traffic calculator available on the site.
Operational details
Analysis of Alternatives
The closure of the Certosa interchange and the mandatory diversion towards Varese present a challenge for commuters and cross-border workers who daily use the A4 Milan-Brescia. It's important to evaluate the available alternatives to minimize disruptions and optimize travel times.
Alternative Routes
One suggested alternative route involves exiting at the Cormano interchange. This route might be less congested compared to the diversion towards Varese, but it's crucial to verify real-time traffic conditions. Another option is to use the Fiera Milano node to re-enter Milan, a route that might be more suitable for those heading towards the Canton Ticino.
Impact on Travel Times
Increased travel times are one of the main concerns for cross-border workers. The diversion towards Varese could add several kilometers to the usual route, increasing travel time. It's advisable to leave early and consider potential delays due to traffic.
Trip Planning
To best plan your trip, you can use tools like the traffic calculator and the route comparator. These tools can help evaluate the different options available and choose the most efficient route based on your needs.
Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to best handle this situation:
- Advanced Planning: Check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance.
- Early Departure: Consider leaving with a larger time margin to avoid delays.
- Use of Digital Tools: Take advantage of apps and websites that provide real-time traffic information and road conditions.
Comparisons with Previous Situations
In the past, similar closures have caused significant disruptions for commuters. However, thanks to planning and the use of alternative routes, it's possible to minimize the impact on travel times. It's important to stay informed and quickly adapt to new traffic conditions.
Future Scenarios
As the date of the works approaches, it's crucial to monitor any updates on traffic conditions and changes in road accessibility. There may be further communications from the competent authorities providing updated information and useful tips to best handle this situation.
For more details and to plan your trip, you can consult the traffic calculator and the route comparator available on the site.
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Key points
What to do now
To best cope with the closure of the A4 Milan-Brescia and the mandatory detour towards Varese, it's important to follow a series of concrete steps. Here's what to do:
Step 1: Check traffic conditions
Use tools like the traffic calculator to monitor real-time traffic conditions. This will allow you to plan your trip more efficiently and avoid potential delays.
Step 2: Plan your route
Evaluate the different options available and choose the route most suited to your needs. You can use the route comparator to compare travel times and distances between the different alternatives.
Step 3: Leave early
Consider leaving with a larger time margin to avoid delays due to traffic. This will allow you to handle any unexpected events with greater ease.
Step 4: Use digital tools
Take advantage of apps and websites that provide real-time information on traffic and road conditions. These tools can help you plan your trip more efficiently and avoid potential inconveniences.
Step 5: Stay informed
Monitor any updates on traffic conditions and changes in road accessibility. There may be further communications from the competent authorities that provide updated information and useful tips for best coping with this situation.
Useful tools
To best plan your trip, you can use the following tools:
- Traffic calculator: Monitor real-time traffic conditions.
- Route comparator: Compare travel times and distances between the different alternatives.
- Fuel cost calculator: Calculate the fuel cost for your trip.
Conclusion
The closure of the A4 Milan-Brescia and the mandatory detour towards Varese represent a challenge for commuters and cross-border workers. However, with careful planning and the use of digital tools, it is possible to minimize inconveniences and optimize travel times. Staying informed and quickly adapting to new traffic conditions is fundamental to best cope with this situation.
For more information and to plan your trip, visit our website and use our tools.
Source: varesenews.it
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the exact dates for the works on the A4 Milano-Brescia?
- The works on the A4 Milano-Brescia are scheduled for the night between May 5 and 6, 2026, from 10 PM to 5 AM.
- What are the alternatives to the mandatory detour towards Varese?
- Alternatives include exiting at the Cormano interchange or using the Fiera Milano hub to re-enter Milan.
- How can I monitor real-time traffic conditions?
- You can use tools like the traffic calculator available on our website to monitor real-time traffic conditions.