Guide: Safely over the pass with TCS
TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH As there are still winter closures at several Alpine passes, waiting times at the loading stations can also be expected at Whitsun. The opening of several passes in Uri can defuse the situation.
The Gotthard, Nufenen and Grosser Sankt-Bernhard passes and other Alpine crossings are currently still closed. These passes are not yet available as alternative routes to the south, which may lead to a shift of traffic towards the loading stations at the Lötschberg, the Furka and the Vereina.
Winter closures lifted
The situation could be relieved, at least in part, by the planned opening of the Gotthard Pass. The Klausen Pass is also to be opened. The Furka Pass, which was partially opened on May 5, could be opened in view of the Whitsun weekend. The Susten Pass is expected to open on the Uri side on June 2, with full opening planned for June 16.
Heavy traffic also on the A2
The lure towards the south side of the Alps will be felt again on the Whitsun weekend (May 27 and 28), especially on the north-south axes. Once again, many short holidaymakers, from Switzerland and the northern countries, will be on our roads. A lot of outbound and return traffic is again expected on the A2. The most intense traffic situation in front of the Gotthard tunnel is to be expected for the outward journey on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, and the traffic jam is unlikely to clear up overnight.
Important tips for the return journey
For the return journey, most motorists are likely to be on the road on Whit Monday (May 29) and Tuesday (May 30). To avoid long traffic jams, Viasuisse recommends starting the outward journey on Friday morning (May 26). Traffic jams should be kept to a minimum until around 11 am. It is also worthwhile to set off on Saturday night or early Saturday morning. The return journey should not be made on Whit Monday or Tuesday afternoon. It is advisable to plan the trip late Monday evening or through the night on Tuesday.
New portal for Swiss passports
The TCS has a new Passport portal launched. It provides real-time information on Switzerland's 40 most important passports. Information is listed on which Swiss passes are open and which are closed. Interested parties can find out whether there is snow on a pass and whether restrictions apply to certain types of vehicles or whether chains are compulsory. The TCS passport portal is accessible to everyone and free of charge. It is constantly being developed and adapted to the needs of road users.
