transportation
Transport chaos: Great St. Bernard tunnel closure extends to next week
Major disruption to Swiss-Italian connectivity as avalanche damage forces extended closure of vital transport link, impacting Easter travel plans.
Extended Closure of Vital Alpine Link
The Great St. Bernard tunnel, a crucial transport link between Switzerland and Italy, will remain closed until next Friday following significant avalanche damage. The closure, announced by cantonal police spokesperson Stève Léger, comes during a period of heavy snowfall in southern Switzerland, particularly affecting the canton of Valais. This extended shutdown poses significant challenges for Easter holiday travel plans and cross-border transportation.
Avalanche Damage and Safety Concerns
The closure was triggered by an avalanche that severely impacted the Toules gallery on the A21 Grand-St-Bernard motorway. Federal Roads Office investigations revealed extensive damage stretching approximately 300 meters, with boulders and trees causing significant structural concerns. The high avalanche risk persists, with authorities particularly concerned about heavy snowmelt expected between Saturday and Sunday. The situation has prompted immediate safety measures, though repair work remains delayed due to ongoing avalanche dangers.
Impact on Travel and Emergency Response
The emergency response to the situation has been substantial, with the emergency center handling an unprecedented 4,695 calls between Wednesday and Friday - averaging 1.5 calls per minute. While no injuries have been reported, the closure has significantly disrupted travel plans and transport logistics between Switzerland and Italy. The timing of the closure, coinciding with Easter travel period, has particularly affected tourism and commercial transportation through this vital Alpine route.
Alternative Routes and Recommendations
While the A21 remains closed to transit traffic to Italy, local access between Martigny and Bourg-St-Pierre on the Swiss side remains open. The Simplon pass has reopened, offering an alternative route for necessary travel. Authorities advise travelers to postpone non-essential journeys and remain vigilant of weather conditions. The Federal Roads Office has initiated immediate measures to secure the tunnel, though repair timeline remains dependent on weather conditions and safety assessments.