Residents block roads in Swiss Alps as 18-km Gotthard Tunnel jam sparks protest
On Saturday, vacation travelers heading south through the Swiss Alps faced major delays at the Gotthard Tunnel, with a traffic jam stretching 18 kilometers and wait times of up to three hours. The congestion occurred between Altdorf and Göschenen in the canton of Uri, according to the Touring Club of Switzerland (TCS).
Around 60 residents from several communities in the canton of Uri protested against the diversion traffic caused by the jam. They demonstrated in Amsteg, blocking traffic and calling for temporary driving bans on days with heavy traffic. The protest was organized by the Uri canton interest group and supported by Pro Alps, a nonprofit organization in Switzerland. The demonstrators held up signs with slogans such as "We've had enough!" and waved flags of the canton of Uri.
The Gotthard Tunnel is a key route through the Alps, connecting Göschenen in the canton of Uri with Airolo in the canton of Tessin. It's used by many vacationers from Germany, the Netherlands, and other European countries heading to Italy. Traffic jams at the tunnel are common during summer and before holidays. In the past, there have been jams of more than 25 kilometers when other Alpine routes were closed for construction.
The Touring Club of Switzerland (TCS) recommends using alternative routes such as the San Bernardino Tunnel or the Simplonpass and Großer St. Bernhard passes to avoid the traffic jam. The TCS also suggests that motorists plan their trips to avoid peak travel times.
The protest in Amsteg highlights the ongoing tension between local residents and the heavy traffic caused by vacationers. The Uri canton interest group has been calling for better protection against through traffic since 2023. In 2024, the Swiss government implemented several measures, including temporary closures of motorway junctions, to address the issue.
Despite these measures, residents say they are still overwhelmed by the diversion traffic, particularly during peak travel times like the summer holidays and Easter. The situation is expected to persist as long as the Gotthard Tunnel remains a key route for vacationers heading south.
The Gotthard Tunnel is one of the most important north-south connections through the Alps, and its congestion has far-reaching effects on travel and local communities. The protest in Amsteg is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by residents in the region due to heavy traffic.
The TCS continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on traffic conditions and alternative routes for motorists. The organization also encourages drivers to plan their trips carefully and consider using public transportation or alternative routes to avoid congestion.
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