What can cross-border commuters do to prepare for night closures of the A9?

It is advisable to check the exact timetables on the Autostrade per l'Italia website, download the 'Ticino Traffic' app to monitor customs traffic and assess the use of the train (S11/S40 Trenord lines). It is helpful to plan your commute at least 48 hours in advance and consider teleworking if possible.

A9: closures between Chiasso and Como, impact on cross-border commuters

Di Valerie Linc · 29 March 2026, 13:24

New closures on the A9 highway between Chiasso and Como from March 30 to April 2, 2026. Here are the alternatives for cross-border commuters.

Contesto

A9: closures between Chiasso and Como, impact on cross-border commuters The A9 highway, also known as the Lakes Highway, a crucial route for the approximately 65,000 Ticino cross-border commuters (USTAT 2023 data) who travel to Lombardy daily, will undergo scheduled interruptions between late March and early April 2026. The interventions, approved by the City of Milan Metropolitan Area with resolution no. 2024/087, provide for an investment of €2.3 million for the transit of exceptional vehicles and extraordinary maintenance of the sections between Chiasso, Como, and Milan. ### 📊 Closure details - First phase: night of March 31 - April 1, 2026 (22:00-5:00), with a total closure of the Como Centro-Chiasso section towards Switzerland and the Lago di Como-A59 section towards Lainate. - Ticino municipalities involved: Chiasso, Coldrerio, and Morbio Inferiore, where over 12,000 cross-border commuters reside (elaboration based on USTAT 2023 data). - Alternative routes: those returning to Switzerland from Milan will have to exit at Como Centro and follow SP 233 (Via per Cernobbio), with an estimated delay of 25-40 minutes compared to the normal journey. ### ⚠️ Impact on commuters The closures coincide with the evening return time (between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM) for 37% of cross-border commuters, according to a survey by the Regio Insubrica Observatory (2024). Concrete examples: - A commuter from Mendrisio to Saronno will take 1 hour and 15 minutes instead of the usual 50 minutes. - Those working in the healthcare sector in Varese (approximately 3,200 cross-border commuters) will need to plan for a 30-minute buffer to avoid delays in night shifts. ### 💡 Checklist for cross-border commuters 1. Check the exact times on the Autostrade per l'Italia websit...

Dettagli operativi

Impact on cross-border commuters' daily routes The nighttime closure of the A9 motorway between Chiasso and Como, scheduled for the first days of April, will significantly affect the approximately 70,000 cross-border commuters from Ticino who cross the border daily for work. This number represents about 20% of the active population of the Canton of Ticino, primarily traveling to the industrial hub of Como-Milan for their jobs. - The restrictions will be in place for three consecutive nights: the night between Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026; between Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1; and between Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2. - On the first night, the Lomazzo north entrance will be closed in both directions from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Commuters heading from Chiasso to Lainate are advised to use the Lomazzo south entrance, while those traveling from Lainate to Chiasso should enter at Fino Mornasco. ## Practical examples of alternative routes To better understand the impact of these closures, consider some concrete examples. A commuter living in Chiasso and working in Lainate will need to take the recommended alternative route, entering at Lomazzo south. This could add approximately 15-20 minutes to their travel time, depending on traffic conditions. ## References to regulations and dates The free movement of people between Switzerland and the EU, which includes cross-border commuters, is governed by specific regulations, such as the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) of June 21, 1998. This agreement allows Swiss and EU citizens to work in each other's territories without needing a work permit. ## Operational checklist for commuters To manage the A9 closures effectively, commuters can follow this checklist: - Check clos...

Punti chiave

For Ticino commuters who regularly travel on the A9, it's essential to plan their trips in advance during closure days. Those returning to Ticino from Milan on affected evenings should consider rescheduling their trip, or preparing for detours that could add up to 30-40 minutes to their usual travel time. A concrete example is that of Chiasso residents who work in Milan. Considering the closure of the A9 between Chiasso and Como, one option could be to take the Strada Statale 342 Briantea to the Brogeda customs office, which remains open. This alternative route can add around 10-15 minutes to the usual travel time. For those heading to Milan, after the mandatory exit at Lago di Como, you can continue along the ordinary road network to Fino Mornasco and then rejoin the highway. ⚠️ It's advisable to check real-time traffic conditions using dedicated apps like Waze or Google Maps and consider using the train as an alternative, especially for those working in central Milan. For example, a train ticket from Como to Milan can cost around 10-20 euros, depending on the class and availability. To calculate the additional fuel costs due to detours, you can use online tools like the fuel cost calculator. Assuming an average consumption of 7 liters/100 km and a fuel price of 1.80 euros/liter, an increase in travel time of 30 minutes could correspond to an increase in costs of around 5-10 euros. ## Operational checklist for commuters: - Check real-time traffic conditions and A9 closures - Consider alternative routes like Strada Statale 342 Briantea - Use the train as an alternative, especially for those working in central Milan - Calculate additional fuel costs due to detours ## Comparison of practical scenarios: | Route | Normal travel time | Travel time with detour | Addit...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"When does the A9 motorway between Chiasso and Como close and what impact does it have on cross-border commuters?","a":"The A9 between Chiasso and Como will be closed on some nights between the end of March and the beginning of April 2026 for extraordinary maintenance. This will affect the approximately 65,000 Ticino cross-border commuters who travel to Lombardy every day, especially during the evening return time. Significant delays and the need for alternative routes are expected."},{"q":"What are the exact dates and times of the closures on the A9 for cross-border commuters?","a":"The main closures will take place on the night between March 31 and April 1, 2026, from 22:00 to 5:00. The Como Centro-Chiasso section in the direction of Switzerland and Lake Como-A59 towards Lainate will be closed. Another closure is scheduled for the night between 30 and 31 March 2026, from 21:00 to 5:00, at the entrance to Lomazzo Nord."},{"q":"What are the recommended alternative routes for cross-border commuters during the closures of the A9?","a":"Those returning to Switzerland from Milan will have to exit at Como Centro and follow the SP 233 (Via per Cernobbio), with an estimated extension of 25-40 minutes. For those going towards Lainate from Chiasso, we recommend the entrance to Lomazzo Sud. It is crucial to check for real-time updates via navigation apps."},{"q":"How much longer will it take cross-border commuters to get to and from work due to the A9 closures?","a":"Travel times will increase considerably. For example, a commuter from Mendrisio to Saronno might take 1 hour and 15 minutes instead of the usual 50. Those who work in the healthcare sector in Varese should provide a buffer of at least 30 minutes for night shifts, with detours that can add up to 40 minutes."},{"...

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the A9 motorway between Chiasso and Como close and what impact does it have on cross-border commuters?: The A9 between Chiasso and Como will be closed on some nights between the end of March and the beginning of April 2026 for extraordinary maintenance. This will affect the approximately 65,000 Ticino cross-border commuters who travel to Lombardy every day, especially during the evening return time. Significant delays and the need for alternative routes are expected.
What are the exact dates and times of the closures on the A9 for cross-border commuters?: The main closures will take place on the night between March 31 and April 1, 2026, from 22:00 to 5:00. The Como Centro-Chiasso section in the direction of Switzerland and Lake Como-A59 towards Lainate will be closed. Another closure is scheduled for the night between 30 and 31 March 2026, from 21:00 to 5:00, at the entrance to Lomazzo Nord.
What are the recommended alternative routes for cross-border commuters during the closures of the A9?: Those returning to Switzerland from Milan will have to exit at Como Centro and follow the SP 233 (Via per Cernobbio), with an estimated extension of 25-40 minutes. For those going towards Lainate from Chiasso, we recommend the entrance to Lomazzo Sud. It is crucial to check for real-time updates via navigation apps.
How much longer will it take cross-border commuters to get to and from work due to the A9 closures?: Travel times will increase considerably. For example, a commuter from Mendrisio to Saronno might take 1 hour and 15 minutes instead of the usual 50. Those who work in the healthcare sector in Varese should provide a buffer of at least 30 minutes for night shifts, with detours that can add up to 40 minutes.
What can cross-border commuters do to prepare for night closures of the A9?: It is advisable to check the exact timetables on the Autostrade per l'Italia website, download the 'Ticino Traffic' app to monitor customs traffic and assess the use of the train (S11/S40 Trenord lines). It is helpful to plan your commute at least 48 hours in advance and consider teleworking if possible.