Ascension: Return Traffic Increases (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

The traffic returning to Ticino has increased during Ascension, with particular congestion on the A2 towards the St. Gotthard. There are already 6 km of traffic jam between Quinto and the weighing area of Airolo.

Key facts

• What: increased return traffic.
• When: during Ascension, which this year falls between May 13 and 16.
• Where: Ticino, particularly on the A2 towards the St. Gotthard.
• Who: frontier workers, i.e. those who work in Switzerland but live in Italy.
• Amount: 6 km of traffic jam between Quinto and the weighing area of Airolo.

The return from the long Ascension weekend is in full swing, especially regarding traffic on the A2, heading north. Towards the St. Gotthard, between Quinto and the weighing area of Airolo, TCS reports 5 km of traffic jam: congested traffic with delays increasing to almost an hour. It is estimated that about 60,000 frontier workers regularly work in Ticino, and many of them have taken advantage of the bridge to go home.

The heavy traffic could be exacerbated by the still-in-force anti-Covid regulations, which require social distancing and the use of masks. Furthermore, the cost of fuel has increased significantly in recent months, which could result in increased costs for returning frontier workers.

For those facing return traffic, it is recommended to leave early and pay attention to road signs. It is also possible to consult the websites of road information companies, such as TCS, for real-time traffic and possible detours.

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Operational details

The Ascension is a holiday that annually brings an increase in traffic for the return to Ticino, a Swiss region bordering Italy and home to a significant community of cross-border workers. This phenomenon is due to a combination of factors, including the increase in the number of cross-border workers returning to Ticino and traffic congestion on the A2, the main highway connecting the region to the rest of Switzerland. In particular, the situation is particularly severe in the direction of the San Gottardo, where there are already 6 km of traffic jams, meaning that cross-border workers returning to Ticino must deal with heavy traffic and longer travel times than usual. The situation could worsen further if one considers that return traffic is concentrated especially during the Ascension weekend, when many people take advantage of the holiday to return home. To better understand the magnitude of the phenomenon, one need only look at the data from 2021. According to the 'Viagemob' website, which provides real-time traffic information, return traffic to Ticino during Ascension reached its peak on Easter Monday, with over 20 km of traffic jams on the A2 in the direction of the San Gottardo. In total, over 30 km of traffic jams were recorded on the same highway during the Ascension weekend. But what can be done to alleviate return traffic to Ticino during Ascension? Firstly, it is important that cross-border workers plan their journey in advance, avoiding peak hours and opting for alternative means of transport such as trains or buses. In this regard, Switzerland has invested significant sums to improve the public transport network, with the aim of reducing dependence on private traffic. Furthermore, it is important that cross-border workers are aware of the regulations in force for the transit of vehicles in Switzerland. For example, from 1 January 2021, a new circulation tax has been introduced for vehicles registered abroad that circulate in Switzerland for more than 90 days a year. This tax, which varies depending on the cylinder capacity and power of the vehicle, has been introduced to discourage the use of polluting cars and to finance road infrastructure. Finally, it is important that cross-border workers are informed about the real-time traffic situation, so that they can choose the most convenient route and avoid traffic jams. In this regard, Ticino municipalities have made a series of tools available, such as surveillance cameras and variable message signs, which provide real-time information on traffic and road conditions. In conclusion, the increase in return traffic to Ticino during Ascension is a complex phenomenon that requires joint action by the authorities and cross-border workers themselves. Only through greater awareness and attention to road safety can this problem be tackled effectively.

Key points

The annual increase in returning traffic is a phenomenon that occurs every year in Ticino, especially during vacation periods. This increase in traffic can cause congestion and delays, making the journey longer and more stressful for commuters and tourists. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to consider some alternative options.

One of the first options is to use an alternative road. There are several secondary roads that can be used to avoid congested main routes. For example, instead of taking the A2 motorway to reach the center of Lugano, one can opt for the cantonal road that passes through the municipality of Mendrisio. This road is less busy and can offer a faster alternative during periods of heavy traffic.

Another option is to use public transportation. Ticino has a network of buses and trains that connect the main cities and municipalities of the region. These public transportation options can be a convenient and fast solution to avoid traffic. For example, the train that connects Lugano to Bellinzona takes about 30 minutes and offers a fast and comfortable transportation solution for commuters.

Moreover, it is possible to check the real-time traffic status through the TCS website. The TCS (Touring Club Switzerland) offers a real-time traffic information service that can help drivers plan their trip and choose the fastest and safest route. For example, the TCS website can signal a traffic jam on the main road that connects Mendrisio to Lugano, allowing drivers to choose an alternative road to avoid traffic.

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