Traffic forecast for the holiday: There is a risk of long traffic jams during the holiday

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This time too, many Swiss people travel by car during Christmas and New Year. Either to visit family or to do winter sports. The Federal Highway Office (Astra) therefore expects high volumes of traffic on the main traffic axes.

An increase in traffic volumes can be expected starting from Friday, December 22. Significantly more traffic than usual is expected on the A1, A2, A3, A9 and A13 motorways, especially in the areas of Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Lugano. Waiting times towards the Bernese Oberland and Valais have also increased. You also need to prepare for return traffic, which may start on January 1st and last until January 7th. Astra recommends staying on the highways and not switching to the road network next to national roads to avoid adding additional traffic burden to people in towns.

Traffic congestion forecast

The Federal Highway Office expects traffic disruptions on the following highway segments:

• A1 in the Greater Zurich area
• A1 Härkingen – Wangen a. A.
• A1/A6 in Bern
• A1 Lausanne area
• A2 Basel
• A2/A14 Lucerne area (to Stans-Nord)
• A2 Amsteg – Faido (Gotthard road tunnel)
• A3 Walenstadt–Reichenburg
• A8 Interlaken – Spiez
• A13 Sarganserland – Rothenbrunnen
• A28 Landquart – Klosters

Astra also expects traffic disruptions on the following major roads:

• Spiez – Kandersteg (outward journey)
• Gampel–Goppenstein (return journey)
• Çeşme – Flüelen (Axenstrasse)
• Göschenen–Andermatt
• Raron–Brig
• Bellinzona-Locarno
• Various main roads in the Bernese Oberland, Graubsunu and Valais side valleys

Longer wait times can also be expected at vehicle loading stations. On the outward journey, especially between 8am and 4pm at Furka in Realp, Lötschberg in Kandersteg and Vereina in Klosters-Selfangra. However, on the return journey you have to wait for long car queues between 11 am and 6 pm at Furka in the Oberwald, Lötschberg in Goppstein and Vereina in the Lavin-Sagliains.

If you can’t avoid the traffic disruptions expected during the festive season, the following six points will help you stay relaxed:

1. planning: Try to avoid rush hours. For example, drive at night.
2. information: Monitor traffic conditions and consider alternative routes before leaving.
3. food: There should be enough food and drink, especially for children.
4. Entertainment: Children should also have fun so that they do not get bored.
5. patience: In the worst case scenario, accept the situation and maintain the track and route.
6. breaks: After a longer break, the traffic jam may have resolved and you will be empowered to continue your journey.

By the way: Large crowds are also expected at Swiss airports on Christmas weekend. So plan enough time both when looking for parking if you’re traveling by car, as well as when checking in your luggage and going through security checks.

Source: Blick