by Florian König, maut1.de - May 1st, 2023 - Updated October 6th, 2023
Following the scheduled closure from 24 April to 6 October this year, the Arlberg Tunnel will be completely closed to all vehicular traffic again from 15 April to 22 November 2024 on the S 16 Arlberg Expressway between Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria.
The renovation measures for the longest single-tube road tunnel in Austria, which has already been in operation for 45 years, include extensive renovation measures for the roadway, the drainage system in the tunnel and the tunnel coating to increase safety for the average of 8,000 motorists every day.
For travellers, the following alternative routes exist for the east-west connection between Tyrol and Vorarlberg in Austria:
- Arlbergpass (B 197/L 197),
- Rosenheim-Munich (Germany),
- Gotthard (Switzerland) and
- San Bernardino (Switzerland)
Due to the longer routes, travel times will increase not inconsiderably; according to ASFiNAG, purchased annual route toll cards will be extended by the period of the closure.
- Total length of Arlberg Tunnel: 14 kilometres,
- Planned costs second phase tunnel renovation: 75 million euros,
- Planned costs for modernisation of toll station: 30 million euros
- Planned closures: 24 April to 6 October 2023 (completed on schedule) and 15 April to 22 November 2024.
The modifications are intended to increase traffic safety, ensure sustainable operation of the tunnel and improve comfort through new toll lanes, additional truck parking spaces and sanitary facilities. (Source: ASFINAG)
Are vehicles allowed to swerve over the Arlbergpass road (B197/L197) in Austria?
- Yes, the free pass applies to passenger cars, station wagons and trucks without trailers as well as passenger cars and station wagons with trailers (including caravans). Cars and station wagons with trailers weighing more than 750 kg are excluded;
from 1.7. to 6.10.2023 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., these vehicles must avoid Germany, the Fernpass or Switzerland.
- No, a general driving ban applies to trucks with trailers and articulated vehicles on the B 197/L 197 Arlbergpass road for the duration of the full closure of the Arlberg tunnel (24.04. to 06.10. 2023). These vehicles will have to use the
aforementioned alternative routes.
- Yes, there are no restrictions for motorbikes during the entire period of the full closure.
- Yes, cars, station wagons, camper vans and trucks without trailers as well as cars and station wagons with trailers (including caravans) are free to drive through the pass as long as the trailer does not weigh more than 750 kg. All passenger cars and station wagons with trailers weighing more than 750 kg must avoid Germany, the Fernpass or Switzerland on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from 1 July to 6 October 2023.
- Yes, for trucks without trailers as well as for buses with and without trailers there are no restrictions for driving over the Arlberg Pass.
For further information, please visit the ASFiNAG information page.
Picture credits: Image © asfinag
