Traffic jam on the burner highway: Who is responsible?

Traffic jam on the burner highway: Who is responsible?

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Brenner motorway in Tyrol experienced a massive traffic jam, which extended over 45 kilometers to the burner and was able to give the drivers an additional trip time of three hours. According to OTS identified. It was obvious that this traffic jam not only burdened the affected travelers considerably, but also in the context of a persistent problem with the flow of traffic.

The burner highway and the at the same time overloaded tunnels are essential transport connections that transport around 43,000 vehicles per day over the lowest pass in the Alps. The highway, which leads from Knoten Innsbruck to the Brenner Pass, has established itself as an important trade route between Germany, Austria and Italy. This is also confirmed by the information from Stumelder-karte , which highlight the importance of the burner highway.

traffic collapse and public security

at Pentecost, the alternative traffic via the federal road also caused a risk to public security, especially emergency services. South Tyrolean Governor Compatscher reported that the lanes in both directions for over 20 minutes were not dignified, which, however, was not classified as a state affair. Despite this serious situation, Mayor Mühlsteiger criticized the procedure of the authorities, which may be illegal, and announced a complaint in order to clarify the attitude of the 2nd instance on human rights on health and right of demonstration.

lr Zumtobel plans to bring up the topic in the context of the Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino regions in Merano. Critics also complain that ASFINAG has failed to maintain the flow of traffic sustainably and are therefore responsible for the traffic jam.

The history and structure of the burner highway

The Brenner motorway itself has an eventful story that goes back to the 1950s when traffic increased significantly and first plans to improve the infrastructure. The highway was finally opened in several phases between 1963 and 1971. According to Autobrennero.it , the Brennerautobahngesellschaft also operates other motorway projects in Italy and has set itself the goal of promoting an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly mobility.

In the context of the current challenges, it becomes clear that the burner highway remains of central importance for the international transport business, even if the traffic in the Wippe Valley is classified as irrelevant by political decision -makers. This opposite view of the importance of the motorway could lead to further debates in the future when it comes to the transport infrastructure and the security of the citizens.