Traffic jam on the Tauern Autobahn: What travelers to Austria need to know

Anyone heading south over the long Whitsun weekend will need strong nerves – especially on the Austrian A10.

As early as Saturday morning, traffic on the Tauern Autobahn, which runs from Salzburg to Villach, was backed up for over 45 kilometers, as reported by the Austrian radio station "Ö3." The result: hours of standstill and frustrated travelers.

The traffic chaos is caused by a major renovation on a 14-kilometer section of the A10 between Golling and Werfen. Several tunnels – including the Ofenauer and Hiefler tunnels – are only accessible to one lane due to construction work, according to the ADAC (German Automobile Club). Traffic is being diverted through an open tunnel in each direction – a waste of time and stress.

The Tauern Autobahn (A10) is one of the most important travel routes across the Alps – it is particularly busy in summer.

Source: IMAGO/Rolf Poss

The renovation is urgently needed: Many of the tunnels on the A10 date back to the 1970s and are currently undergoing extensive modernization. In addition to new safety technology, roadways, bridges, and rockfall protection systems are also being replaced. The Austrian motorway company Asfinag is investing around 265 million euros in this major project, which began in September 2022 and is scheduled for completion by the end of June 2025. Traffic problems are therefore to be expected until then.

According to Asfinag, the biggest traffic jam peaks are not only expected on the Whitsun weekend itself! Traffic forecasts also predict that traffic will be tight on the A10 in mid- and late June. Fridays, Saturdays, and return travel days after holidays are particularly tricky. A look at the traffic jam calendar will help with travel planning.

To prevent through traffic from using secondary roads, specific exit closures are in place along the route. Those without a specific destination in the region are prohibited from using certain exits. Those who must leave should have a booking confirmation or a precise destination address ready – they will be asked for this information during checkpoints.

Not only the A10 is affected: Traffic was also slowed in Tyrol, around Innsbruck, on the Brenner Autobahn, and over the Fernpass. The ADAC warned in advance: Anyone traveling toward Austria , Italy , or Croatia should expect long delays.

The tunnel renovation on the Tauern Autobahn regularly brings traffic across the Alps to a standstill.

Source: IMAGO/Rolf Poss

Yes, but with caution: Those who want to avoid the route can take the Pyhrn Autobahn (A9), the Brenner Autobahn (A13), or the Felbertauernstraße (B108). But beware: There are also construction sites and sections prone to traffic jams – especially on the A9 between Wels and Liezen.

According to the ADAC (German Automobile Club), Whitsun Sunday is usually much more relaxed than the Friday before or the Tuesday after the holidays. So, if you can, it's better to plan your return trip countercyclically. Another tip: The Asfinag website offers current information, live webcams, and real-time traffic maps.

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Between June 10 and 24, there will also be several nighttime closures on the A10 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. According to the ADAC, the entire section between Golling and the Pongau junction will be partially closed. The detour will take the parallel Salzachtalstraße B159 – there, too, there is a risk of congestion during periods of high traffic.

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