The upcoming Christmas holidays and the turn of the year will bring almost no relief to our roads. The Federal Highways Office Astra expects long traffic jams and major traffic disruptions almost throughout Switzerland. In the statement made by Astra, it was stated that the roads leading to the winter sports centers were very busy.
The effects of holiday traffic will be felt on the A1, A2, A3, A9 and A13 and especially in the regions of Zurich, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, in the Gotthard tunnel area, on the San Bernardino route, between Aralar. It stands out on the routes to Sargans and Rothenbrunnen as well as the Bernese Oberland and Valais. From the New Year, Astra also expects high return traffic, which should last until January 8.
Detailed traffic jam forecast
The Federal Highway Office expects traffic barriers on the following highway sections:
- A1 in the greater Zurich area
- A1 Harkingen – Wangen aA
- A1/A6 in the Bern area
- A1 Lausanne region
- A2 Step
- A2/A14 region of Lucerne (to Stans-Nord)
- A2 Amsteg – Faido (Gotthard road tunnel)
- A3 Walenstadt – Reichenburg
- A8 Interlaken – Game
- A8 Sarnen – Lopper junction
- A13 Sarganserland – Rothenbrunnen
- A28 Landquart-Klosters
There are also several main roads in the Bernese Oberland, Graubünden and Valais side valleys. Particularly affected are the sections Spiez-Kandersteg BE (round trip), Gampel – Goppenstein VS (return trip), Göschenen – Andermatt UR, Raron – Brig VS, Bellinzona – Locarno TI and the Axenstrasse between Brunnen SZ and Flüelen UR. Finally, significantly longer waiting times should also be expected at vehicle loading stations. On the outward journey Realp UR (Furka), Kandersteg BE (Lötschberg) and Klosters-Selfranga GR (Vereina) are affected from 8 am to 4 pm. For the return journey, Astra expects long waiting times between 11:00 and 18:00 at Oberwald VS (Furka), Goppenstein VS (Lötschberg) and Lavin-Sagliains GR (Vereina).
Safe and comfortable in traffic jam
The Federal Highway Office advises road users to stay on the highway even in traffic jams. This is not taken into account for the local population. Unwanted alternative traffic often causes a traffic jam in surrounding towns. This hampers not only travelers themselves, but also local business traffic and public transport. This increases the risk of accident.
If you can’t avoid anticipated traffic delays during the holiday season, here are six tips to help you stay comfortable:
- Planning: Try to avoid rush hour. For example, drive at night.
- Information: Observe the traffic situation and evaluate alternative routes before leaving.
- Food: There should be enough food and drink, especially for children.
- Entertainment: Children should also be entertained so that they do not get bored.
- Patience: In the worst case, accept the situation and keep track and course.
- Breaks: After a long break, the traffic jam may have cleared up and you’ll be strong for the next trip.