Mega construction sites in 2025: there is a risk of traffic jams on the Brenner motorway and the southern motorway!

Mega construction sites in 2025: there is a risk of traffic jams on the Brenner motorway and the southern motorway!

There is a risk of serious traffic disruptions for travelers on the motorways in Carinthia and the Brenner Pass. A comprehensive construction program has already begun and will extend over the coming years. The Brenner motorway (A13), which is important for travel, is particularly affected: since January 1, 2025, there has only been one-lane traffic on the Lueg Bridge, one of the largest construction sites in the region, which is expected to last until 2030. Due to extensive renovation work, a speed limit of 60 km/h has been introduced, which significantly increases travel time for many road users. The need for this measure arises from the dilapidated structure of the bridge, which has reached the end of its lifespan and urgently needs to be renewed. In order to avoid some traffic jams, over 170 days a year are planned in which traffic can be routed in two lanes, mainly on weekends in the winter season, as the ADAC reported.

Diverse construction sites in Carinthia

Things are similarly problematic for motorway travelers in Carinthia. Several construction sites are underway on the Karawankenautobahn (A11) and the Tauernautobahn (A10). Particularly mentioned are construction sites near Winkl in Rosental, where a bridge is being renovated, as well as extensive work between Gmünd and Eisentratten, which is expected to last two years. In addition, the Steinbrückenbach valley crossing near Trebesing is being rebuilt using a new method, which is leading to delays - completion will take until the end of 2027, as ORF Kärnten reported. Another construction phase concerns the St. Andrä underground route near Villach, the new construction of which will take place in three construction phases over a period of three years from September 2025.

ASFINAG (Austrian motorway company) has confirmed that despite all these construction sites, there will be an average of two lanes to avoid major traffic jams. However, motorists should prepare for significant delays, particularly during peak travel times. Avoiding the construction sites is also made more difficult by blocking exits on secondary routes in order to relieve the burden on residents. Travelers to Europe and Italy are well advised to consider alternative routes such as the Tauern Autobahn, but these are also often affected by traffic jams.