As of today, the Arlberg Tunnel will be closed for more than five months

The Arlberg tunnel has been closed since Monday morning at 7.30 a.m. for more than five months due to renovation work.

The shortest alternative route to the important connection between Vorarlberg and Tyrol leads over the Arlberg Pass. At least 30 minutes should be planned for this route. However, Asfinag recommends larger detours with even longer travel times. These include the Fernpass route in Tyrol and the Autobahn route via Munich and Rosenheim, which also leads to Tyrol near Kufstein. The railway tunnel under the Arlberg remains in operation while the road tunnel is closed and thus offers another alternative.

Arlberg tunnel: traffic lights on red

Since this Monday morning at 7.30 a.m., the traffic lights have been red at Austria’s longest road tunnel. The comprehensive rehabilitation work, such as the renewal of the roadway over the entire 14 kilometers, has started and will last until October 6, 2023.

During this time, the Arlberg Tunnel will remain closed to all traffic. For this time, Asfinag is reactivating the diversion concept that has proven itself from the first two roadblocks in 2015 and 2017. The core for most road users is the Arlberg Pass as a regional alternative route. The pass is also available for heavy traffic, i.e. for trucks with trailers – as long as the purpose-designated destination and source traffic regulations are met. In all other cases, you have to switch to Germany or Switzerland over a large area. In cooperation with the federal states, authorities and emergency services, ASFINAG has done everything possible to ensure that traffic can flow via the alternative routes even during the closure.

Arlberg Pass: More patience and maximum concentration

A trip over the high alpine Arlberg Pass means one thing above all: maximum concentration. There may be delays due to traffic congestion, especially on weekends. Additional truck traffic over the pass can also be expected during the weekdays. Trucks can use the pass provided they meet the exceptions to the driving ban. Since overtaking opportunities are scarce, it is important to be patient and pay attention to speed and a safe distance.

Asfinag tips for a safe journey

Asfinag has been preparing for this total closure of the tunnel for several years together with the federal states, authorities and emergency services. Here are a few important tips for driving during the lockdown:

Information: Best right before you start your journey www.asfinag.at/sperre-arlbergtunnel inform about the exceptions, driving bans and alternative routes. Truck drivers will also find a detailed list of the core zone regulations there.
Large-scale: The authorities and ASFINAG recommend: if possible, choose one of the large-scale diversions during the period of total closure or use public transport such as the train.
Caution: plan patience, high concentration and more time if you still want to go over the Arlberg Pass as a regional alternative route.

Arlberg tunnel closed since Monday 7.30 a.m. (Pictures: Asfinag)