Risk of traffic jams on Ascension Day and Whitsun Confederation warns of traffic chaos on public holidays
As every year, the public holidays bring heavy traffic - especially on the north-south axes. Astra and SBB expect traffic jams, waiting times and high capacity utilization, but also call for consideration.
19.05.2025, 19:57
21.05.2025, 19:57
SDA
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- Traffic jams and restrictions are to be expected on Swiss freeways and main roads over the long weekends in May and June.
- Especially at bottlenecks such as the Simplon Tunnel, where car transport is reduced.
- The Gotthard Pass road has been open again since May 16, including a special "Cupra" lane for direct access.
- SBB is using 40 extra trains and additional carriages to relieve rail traffic and offer 75,000 additional seats.
The Federal Roads Office is expecting a high volume of traffic over the upcoming public holiday weekends. As expected, the north-south axes A2 Gotthard and A13 San Bernardino are particularly prone to traffic jams.
Restrictions are also to be expected on numerous freeways and main roads throughout Switzerland, as announced by the Federal Roads Office (Astra) on Monday. The extended weekends from May 29 to June 1, June 7 to 9 and June 19 to 22 are affected.
According to Astra, longer waiting times are also to be expected for BLS car transport between Brig VS and Iselle (I). Due to renovation work on the Simplon Tunnel, trains will only run every two hours instead of every one and a half hours during the holidays. Waiting times are also possible at the loading stations at Furka VS, Lötschberg VS and Vereina GR.
For journeys southbound and back, the Gotthard Pass road has been open since May 16, the press release added. On predefined days, the special Cupra lane will also be open, allowing direct access to the Gotthard Pass.
Out of consideration for the local population, it is important not to leave the highway during traffic jams, Astra added. The alternative traffic would ultimately lead to gridlock in the regions.
Extra trains to relieve congestion
Increased travel volumes are also to be expected on the railways. Over Whitsun and Ascension Day, 40 extra trains will therefore be running between German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, as SBB announced on Monday. In addition, individual trains will be reinforced with additional carriages or units, including the EuroCity trains that run as far as Italy. A total of 75,000 additional seats will be offered.
Nevertheless, there may be high capacity utilization on individual trains, according to the press release. SBB is therefore asking passengers to plan their journeys early and reserve seats. From March 21 to October 31, bicycles must be reserved on all connections through the Gotthard Base Tunnel.
