It's a heads up for Italian tourists: Ready for a vacation?
In the coming years, the Brenner Motorway (A13) in Tyrol, Austria, is set for significant changes as major construction works are set to transform the region's infrastructure. To stay informed about these developments and alternative travel options, we recommend visiting the official websites of ASFINAG (Austrian motorway operator) and the Brenner Basistunnel.
The most notable project on the horizon is the Brenner Base Tunnel, a rail tunnel under construction to connect Italy and Austria. Although primarily a rail project, it may indirectly impact road traffic, potentially reducing the volume of freight transport on the motorway.
Besides the Brenner Base Tunnel, general renovations and expansions are planned for the A13 motorway. These may include upgrading lanes, improving interchanges, and enhancing safety features to accommodate increased traffic.
Environmental and noise reduction measures are also expected, with projects aimed at improving the motorway's impact on the surrounding environment and reducing noise pollution.
For those seeking alternative travel options, rail travel is a viable choice, particularly for passengers. The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) offers services that can be used in conjunction with public transportation or car-sharing services.
Car-sharing and public transport services can also be utilised to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. For shorter distances, cycling paths and pedestrian routes are increasingly being developed, though they might not be practical for long-distance travel.
Depending on the specific construction locations, travelers might use alternative routes like the A12 motorway or regional roads to avoid affected areas.
To stay updated on roadworks and traffic conditions, we recommend regularly checking the ASFINAG website. Traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps can provide real-time updates, while following local news sources can offer updates on major construction projects and their impacts on travel.
One specific construction site that will significantly impact traffic is the Lueg bridge renovation, which will affect drivers traveling to Italy via the Brenner motorway during the summer. The renovation is expected to last until October 2025, during which traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one lane.
To mitigate the impact, on 180 extremely busy travel days, a second lane will be opened on the Brenner motorway, depending on demand and flexible traffic management. For South Tyrol vacationers, an alternative is direct flights from BER to Bolzano with SkyAlps.
As more construction sites emerge along the Brenner Motorway A13 for the next 20 years, staying informed and prepared will be crucial for smooth and efficient travel. For the most accurate and current information, it's best to consult these official sources directly.
The construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel may indirectly impact road traffic, potentially reducing the volume of freight transport on the A13 motorway, leading to changes in the region's lifestyle due to altered travel patterns. To accommodate increased traffic and reduce noise pollution, renovations and expansions are planned for the A13 motorway, including enhanced safety features, car-sharing, and public transport services as alternative options for travelers.
