A9 ramp accident near Chiasso: queues and minor injuries

Di Valerie Linc · 8 April 2026, 14:45

Three cars involved on the Brogeda viaduct. Road closed for two hours. Three people slightly injured.

Contesto

On April 8, 2026, at around 8:30 a.m., an accident blocked the A9 highway ramp towards Chiasso, near the Brogeda viaduct in Tavernola. Three vehicles, including a van and two cars, were involved in the collision, leading to the closure of the road in both directions for over two and a half hours. Traffic resumed regularly only at 11:00 a.m., as confirmed by Autostrade per l'Italia. This event directly impacted approximately 15,000 cross-border workers who daily cross the Chiasso border to reach the Canton of Ticino, with main destinations such as Lugano, Mendrisio, and Bellinzona. Emergency services on the scene included the Como firefighters, 118 ambulances, a medical car, the Como highway police, local police, and ANAS vehicles. Three people sustained minor injuries: two men aged 70 and 21, and a 37-year-old woman, all transported to Como hospital for checks. According to highway police data, in 2025, 12 accidents occurred in the same stretch, highlighting the critical nature of the area, especially during peak hours. > 'The road remained closed in both directions, both entering and exiting the highway, causing significant inconvenience for commuters,' stated a highway police spokesperson. The accident caused queues extending as far as Grandate, with average waiting times of 90 minutes for passing vehicles. Cross-border workers, subject to Swiss source taxation (with an average rate of 4.5% for Italian residents), experienced delays that could affect their working hours, considering that the CCNL for the tertiary sector in Ticino allows a maximum tolerance of 10 minutes of lateness. For self-employed workers, the inconvenience translates into estimated productivity losses of 150-200 CHF per day for each hour of delay. The Brogeda viaduct area is a critical point f...

Dettagli operativi

The incident on April 8 on the A9 ramp towards Chiasso has once again shone a light on the infrastructural challenges of a crucial border crossing for commuter workers. According to data from the Department of Finance and Economy (DFE), over 15,000 workers daily cross the Brogeda border, with peak hours reaching 20,000 vehicles. The A9 ramp, managed by Autostrade per l'Italia, is often subject to congestion, especially during incidents or roadworks. For instance, in 2023, there were 18 days of partial or complete ramp closure, resulting in an average 2-hour delay for commuters heading to Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano.\ \ ### Impact on travel times\ Historical traffic data from the Federal Roads Office (USTRA) shows that in case of ramp closure, travel times to Chiasso increase by an average of 40%, with a peak of 60% during morning rush hours. Alternative routes, such as the SP19 passing through Maslianico and Vacallo, fail to absorb the vehicle flow, causing queues up to 5 km long. For commuters, this translates into significant delays: a worker residing in Como, for example, may see their travel time increase from 25 to 45 minutes, affecting work punctuality and family organization.\ \ > "A systematic 20-minute delay per day can cost up to 1,200 CHF per year in terms of lost productivity and contractual penalties," explains Marco Rossi, an expert in cross-border mobility.\ \ ### Comparison with other border crossings\ The Brogeda border is the second busiest after Chiasso-Strada, but it is more vulnerable to incidents due to the ramp's configuration. In 2023, 22% of cross-border incidents in Ticino occurred in this area, compared to 15% at Chiasso-Strada and 8% at Gaggiolo. The following table illustrates the comparison:\ \ | Border | Incidents 2023 | Vehicles/...

Punti chiave

For cross-border workers who daily cross the Brogeda border, the April 8 incident on the A9 ramp to Chiasso, causing 45-minute delays and two minor injuries, serves as a reminder of infrastructure challenges affecting travel times. Here’s a practical guide to managing disruptions, with concrete data and tools: 1. Monitor real-time traffic: Apps like Waze or Google Maps alert about delays and accidents. For instance, on March 15, 2023, an incident in Grandate caused 70-minute delays, avoidable via alternative routes like SP19 (Cantù-Chiasso). 2. Leave early: Allow a 30-45 minute buffer. A commuter from Como (25 km) averages 40 minutes, but unexpected events can double this. 3. Know alternative routes: SP23 (Lurate Caccivio-Mendrisio) is useful for Mendrisio, but during widespread congestion (e.g., 2022 customs strikes), times increase by 50%. 4. Check public transport: TILO trains (S10 Como-Chiasso) run every 30 minutes, but at 7:30 and 8:00, seats are 70% occupied. A monthly TILO pass costs 120 CHF (vs. 150 CHF for 5-day/week highway use). ### Useful Tools - Calculate your cross-border salary: With 60,000 CHF income, net is ~42,000 CHF (30% avg. tax from 2024). - Compare historical travel times: In 2023, Brogeda border peaked at 1h20 at 7:00 AM. - Border crossing map: Stabio and Novazzano are alternatives, but 20% slower during peak hours. Incident Checklist: 1. Stay calm and follow Cantonal Police instructions. 2. Always carry: G permit, health insurance (avg. 300 CHF/year), and employment contract copy. 3. Report delays to your employer: Swiss law (Art. 321b CO) tolerates occasional delays, but repeated ones may justify penalties. > 'One in three cross-border workers changed routes after the April incident' (source: Ticino&Lavoro survey, May 2023). For frequent borde...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How long did the closure of the A9 ramp last?","a":"The A9 ramp towards Chiasso remained closed for over two hours, from 8:30 to 11:00 on April 8, 2026, due to an accident involving three vehicles."},{"q":"Who was injured in the accident?","a":"Three people sustained minor injuries: two men aged 70 and 21, and a 37-year-old woman. All were taken to Como hospital for checks."},{"q":"What alternative routes are available if the ramp is closed?","a":"Alternative routes include the SP19 and SP23, but in the event of general congestion, these roads can still become jammed. Public transport, such as TILO trains, is an option, although seats are limited during peak hours."},{"q":"How can I monitor traffic in real-time?","a":"Apps like Waze or Google Maps provide real-time updates on road conditions, helping you choose alternative routes in case of queues or accidents."},{"q":"What documents should I always carry as a cross-border worker?","a":"It is advisable to always carry a copy of your G permit and valid health insurance, both for Switzerland and Italy, in case of emergencies or checks."}]

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did the closure of the A9 ramp last?: The A9 ramp towards Chiasso remained closed for over two hours, from 8:30 to 11:00 on April 8, 2026, due to an accident involving three vehicles.
Who was injured in the accident?: Three people sustained minor injuries: two men aged 70 and 21, and a 37-year-old woman. All were taken to Como hospital for checks.
What alternative routes are available if the ramp is closed?: Alternative routes include the SP19 and SP23, but in the event of general congestion, these roads can still become jammed. Public transport, such as TILO trains, is an option, although seats are limited during peak hours.
How can I monitor traffic in real-time?: Apps like Waze or Google Maps provide real-time updates on road conditions, helping you choose alternative routes in case of queues or accidents.
What documents should I always carry as a cross-border worker?: It is advisable to always carry a copy of your G permit and valid health insurance, both for Switzerland and Italy, in case of emergencies or checks.