Impact of six-year construction on the Tauerna highway on holiday travelers explained
Travellers planning to head south to Croatia during the summer months should brace themselves for potential traffic disruptions. In 2027, a significant construction project will commence on a 27-kilometre stretch of the A10 motorway between Salzburg and Carinthia, Austria, and is expected to last until 2033.
Impact on Traffic
The construction will likely result in increased congestion, long delays, and bottlenecks. With reduced lanes and speed restrictions, traffic flow will slow down, and journey times will extend. During peak summer holiday weekends and departure times, delays could stretch for hours, particularly for southbound travelers towards Croatia.
The construction zone is on a critical transit route for tourists and freight, so bottlenecks could form before and after the site. Additionally, potential safety concerns may arise due to narrow lanes and construction equipment, requiring additional caution and further slowing traffic.
Recommended Alternative Routes
To mitigate delays, travellers can consider the following alternatives:
- Via Slovenia:
- Take the A1 (West motorway) from Salzburg toward Villach.
- Then switch to roads through the Karawanks Tunnel or Loibl Pass crossing into Slovenia.
- Continue south via Slovenia’s A2 and A1 highways toward Croatia.
- This detour may add some distance but can help avoid construction delays.
- Using the Tauern Autobahn (A10) With Timing Considerations:
- If travelling on A10 can’t be avoided, consider off-peak travel times, such as very early mornings or late evenings.
- Avoid peak departure days (usually Fridays and Saturdays during summer).
- Alternative Austrian Routes:
- Travel via the A8 from Salzburg toward Germany’s Rosenheim, then south using routes through Italy and Slovenia, but this usually adds considerable distance and may not be convenient.
Summary
During the 2027 construction period, holiday travelers heading south to Croatia should expect significant slowdowns on the A10 between Salzburg and Carinthia. Planning ahead by using alternative routes through Slovenia or adjusting travel times to avoid peak hours will help reduce delays. Staying updated on real-time traffic reports and construction progress is advisable to optimize travel plans.
The ADAC warns of upcoming traffic disruptions due to the construction on the A10. The operating and safety technology of the Lueg Bridge on the Brenner motorway to Italy is in a state of emergency, and although the renovation will be suspended during the summer holidays, traffic jams are still expected on weekends with high traffic volumes.
Neither the ADAC nor Asfinag recommend an alternative route for travellers due to minor time savings and increased distance and toll costs. The A10 mega-construction site is ongoing, with construction beginning in 2027 and lasting until 2033. The ADAC advises travellers heading towards Croatia to avoid the main travel days of the summer holidays.
- Travellers planning a trip to Croatia via the A10 motorway in 2027 should be aware of potential traffic disruptions caused by a significant construction project that will last from 2027 to 2033.
- To avoid these disruptions, travellers can consider alternate routes like the A1 through Slovenia, which may add some distance but will help bypass the construction zone.
- Another option is to travel on the A10 with timing considerations, such as off-peak travel times or late evenings to reduce delays.
- However, occasional traffic jams are still expected on weekends with high traffic volumes on the Brenner motorway to Italy, as the operation and safety technology of the Lueg Bridge is in a state of emergency, despite a suspension of renovation during the summer holidays.
