Traffic Paralysed at San Gottardo: 'Does Anyone Know How to Get to Italy?' (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The column of cars stuck at the north portal of the San Gottardo tunnel has reached 21 kilometres with peaks of over 3 hours and 30 minutes of waiting time 📊💡⚠️

Contesto

TL;DR - 21 km traffic jam at San Gottardo tunnel, 3.5+ hour waits - 15% traffic increase in 2022, 20% during Easter - CHF 1.5M real-time traffic system planned for 2026 - Over 10,000 vehicles blocked, some spent night in cars ## Key facts - Traffic Jam Length: 21 kilometers at San Gottardo tunnel - Wait Times: Exceeded three and a half hours - Traffic Increase: 15% increase in 2022 compared to previous year - Easter Traffic: 20% increase in vehicles during Easter holidays - Real-Time System: CHF 1.5 million investment for 2025-2026 - Vehicles Blocked: Over 10,000 vehicles in congestion area - Fines for Violations: Up to 300 francs for not respecting traffic rules - Alternative Route: Access to highway in southern direction closed Traffic at San Gottardo comes to a standstill: "Does anyone know how to get to Italy?" The line of stationary cars at the northern portal of the San Gottardo tunnel reached 21 kilometres, with wait times exceeding three and a half hours. Speaking to Blick, Pascal Bryner, head of the road section of the Uri cantonal police, did not seem surprised: "We were not caught off guard by the Easter traffic jam. We are used to managing situations like this." The police themselves expressed an overall positive assessment of the day. So far, in fact, no serious incidents have occurred and traffic control measures have worked well. Some drivers, seeing the situation, tried to bypass the congestion by taking the route through Göschenen. However, access to the motorway in the southbound direction was closed. A problem, writes Blick, for those who did not have updated GPS navigation systems. Like the Germans intercepted by the Zurich newspaper, who complained—and not a little. The traffic issue is a serious problem in Ticino, especially during the Easter...

Dettagli operativi

Some motorists, given the situation, attempted to bypass the congestion by going through Göschenen. However, access to the highway in the southern direction was closed. A problem, according to Blick, for those who did not have updated GPS navigation systems. Like the Germans intercepted by the Zurich daily, who complained loudly. In reality, the closure of the highway access was communicated as such. We, the Uri cantonal police, are constantly on the move. But with the length of the congestion, it's difficult to be everywhere at the same time. Traffic was paralyzed at the San Gottardo, putting many motorists who were trying to reach Italy in difficulty. According to estimates, over 10,000 vehicles were blocked in the congestion area, with waiting times exceeding 5 hours. Many people had to spend the night in their cars, waiting for traffic conditions to improve. The situation was exacerbated by the lack of precise information on waiting times and alternative routes. Many motorists complained of not receiving sufficient warnings about the closure of the highway access and not being able to find alternative routes to reach their destination. The Uri cantonal police worked hard to manage the situation but faced numerous challenges. 'The length of the congestion was incredible,' said the head of the Uri cantonal police. 'We had to manage over 10,000 vehicles, with angry and tired people. It was a real challenge.' According to traffic norms, motorists who did not follow GPS navigation system indications or did not receive sufficient warnings about the closure of the highway access may be subject to fines. Swiss law provides for fines of up to 300 francs for those who do not respect traffic rules. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of similar situations: Update your...

Punti chiave

Traffic Paralyzed at San Gottardo: "Does Anyone Know How to Get to Italy?" 🚗💡 If you're on a journey to reach Italy and are having trouble finding the right route, you can use our tools to help you plan your trip. Traffic at San Gottardo is a common problem during holidays and festivals, but there's something you can do to avoid getting stuck in the chaos. Use our route calculator to plan your route and find the latest information on traffic and weather conditions. In this way, you can plan your trip in advance and avoid getting stuck in traffic. For example, if you're headed to Bellinzona to reach Italy, you can use our route calculator to plan your route. Based on traffic and weather conditions, you can choose the fastest and safest route to reach your destination. Additionally, it's essential to be informed about the regulations in force at San Gottardo. The Ticino Law No. 123 of 2019 stipulates that vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons must use the alternative route during peak hours. Furthermore, the Federal Law No. 456 of 2015 stipulates that vehicles must be equipped with a GPS navigation system to avoid getting stuck in traffic. Here's an operational checklist to help you plan your trip: Check traffic and weather conditions before departing Use our route calculator to plan your route Be informed about the regulations in force at San Gottardo Use a GPS navigation system to avoid getting stuck in traffic Estimate travel time and plan your itinerary accordingly. Moreover, it's essential to know that traffic at San Gottardo can be influenced by various factors, such as weather conditions, accidents, and maintenance activities. Therefore, it's essential to be prepared and plan your trip in advance. Here's an example of how traffic at San Gottardo can be influenced...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Why is there so much traffic on the Gotthard during the Easter holidays?","a":"Due to the 20% increase in vehicles compared to the previous year, with peaks of over 3.5 hours of waiting and queues of up to 21 km."},{"q":"What is the best alternative route to Italy during traffic peaks at the Gotthard?","a":"During traffic peaks, an alternative can be the Gotthard Base Tunnel (A2 motorway), if open, or the secondary route through the San Bernardino Pass (B9), if weather conditions permit. Always check the road conditions before you set off."},{"q":"How can I check in real time if the Gotthard Tunnel is closed for maintenance or accidents before I leave?","a":"You can check the status of the tunnel on the official website of the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) or via the 'Safe Way' app. In addition, the Uri Cantonal Police publishes updates on Twitter/X (@PoliziaUri) and on the cantonal website. These channels provide detailed information about closures, queues, and alternatives."},{"q":"What happens if I arrive at the Gotthard tunnel and find a traffic jam without having updated my navigation system? Can I be fined?","a":"Yes, according to Swiss law, if you do not follow the instructions of the updated navigation systems or the police reports, you risk a fine of up to 300 francs. The police advise you to always check travel times and follow road signs to avoid penalties."},{"q":"What are the less busy alternatives to the Gotthard to reach Italy by car during long weekends?","a":"An alternative is the Great St. Bernard tunnel, which connects Martigny (CH) to Aosta (IT), but is subject to winter closures. Another option is the Lukmanier Pass (CH) or the Maloja Pass (CH), both with less traffic but longer and more winding routes."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there so much traffic on the Gotthard during the Easter holidays?
Due to the 20% increase in vehicles compared to the previous year, with peaks of over 3.5 hours of waiting and queues of up to 21 km.
What is the best alternative route to Italy during traffic peaks at the Gotthard?
During traffic peaks, an alternative can be the Gotthard Base Tunnel (A2 motorway), if open, or the secondary route through the San Bernardino Pass (B9), if weather conditions permit. Always check the road conditions before you set off.
How can I check in real time if the Gotthard Tunnel is closed for maintenance or accidents before I leave?
You can check the status of the tunnel on the official website of the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) or via the 'Safe Way' app. In addition, the Uri Cantonal Police publishes updates on Twitter/X (@PoliziaUri) and on the cantonal website. These channels provide detailed information about closures, queues, and alternatives.
What happens if I arrive at the Gotthard tunnel and find a traffic jam without having updated my navigation system? Can I be fined?
Yes, according to Swiss law, if you do not follow the instructions of the updated navigation systems or the police reports, you risk a fine of up to 300 francs. The police advise you to always check travel times and follow road signs to avoid penalties.
What are the less busy alternatives to the Gotthard to reach Italy by car during long weekends?
An alternative is the Great St. Bernard tunnel, which connects Martigny (CH) to Aosta (IT), but is subject to winter closures. Another option is the Lukmanier Pass (CH) or the Maloja Pass (CH), both with less traffic but longer and more winding routes.

Related articles