The Ascension long weekend (Thursday holiday + Friday bridge day) creates heavy traffic towards Ticino and Italy.
N → S (Göschenen)
S → N (Airolo)
Tunnel
openPass
closedLive queue data
Worst hours
09:00–13:00
Depart before
07:00
or after
14:00
Federal public holiday: high departure traffic from early morning.
Worst hours
08:00–12:00
Depart before
06:30
or after
13:00
Many workers take Friday off: significant traffic from morning onwards.
Worst hours
15:00–19:00
Depart before
12:00
or after
20:00
| Day | Direction | Risk | Best windows | Peak hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascension Thursday (14 May) | ↓ Southbound | High | before 07:00 · after 14:00 | 09:00–13:00 |
| Bridge day Friday (15 May) | ↓ Southbound | High | before 06:30 · after 13:00 | 08:00–12:00 |
| Return Sunday (17 May) | ↑ Northbound | High | before 12:00 · after 20:00 | 15:00–19:00 |
| Monday (18 May) Residual returns from those who extended the long weekend. | ↑ Northbound | Medium | before 08:00 · after 18:00 | 12:00–16:00 |
| Saturday (16 May) Traffic generally flowing — most departures happened on Thursday and Friday. | ↓ Southbound | Low | anytime | 10:00–13:00 |
Worst hours
09:00–13:00
Expected queue
~9 km
Thursday morning and Friday afternoon are the critical times. Returns are mainly on Sunday evening.
Contraflow threshold: 8 km
When the southbound queue reaches 8 km, ASTRA activates the official diversion via the San Bernardino (A13) using variable signs on the A2. If the tunnel is closed, the diversion becomes mandatory.
Queue ≥ 8 km southbound
Official ASTRA signage to A13 San Bernardino activated
Tunnel closed (maintenance or incident)
Mandatory route via San Bernardino (A13) — follow motorway signs
First recommended alternative, generally free during Ascension.