Traffic jam chaos at the Fernpass: How to escape the traffic storms!

Traffic jam chaos at the Fernpass: How to escape the traffic storms!

In recent days, the traffic situation on the Fernpassstraße (B179/E532), an important north-south connection in western Austria, has proven challenging. This route, which is around 50 kilometers long, connects the Tyrolean Inn Valley with the Ausserfern and is a potential source of traffic jams, especially during holiday traffic and on weekends. How Travel Reporter reports, the Fernpassstraße is a central junction for transit between Germany and Italy and attracts enormous volumes of traffic during peak travel times.

The main causes of traffic pollution include holiday traffic from Bavaria to the popular holiday regions of South Tyrol and Lake Garda as well as heavy truck traffic that often bypasses the Brenner motorway. Commuters between Ausserfern and Inntal also contribute to the heavy traffic situation, especially during rush hours. The section between Nassereith and Lermoos has proven to be particularly problematic and is considered a bottleneck - here the road only has two lanes.

Traffic disruptions due to inspection

However, the traffic lights are currently red not only because of the traffic jam chaos that occurs almost every day. A road accident meant that the Fernpass road had to be temporarily closed. A truck lost diesel, which put the Biberwier fire department on alert ORF Tyrol reported. Such incidents are not uncommon and highlight the challenges on this busy route.

The traffic information on the B179 not only includes traffic jam analyses, but also details about construction sites and possible alternative routes that promise relief. The introduction of a Fernpass tunnel, planned from 2027 and to be completed in 2029, could improve the situation in the long term by shifting traffic from the pass road to the tunnel route.

Alternatives and future outlook

However, drivers and commuters already have some alternatives to the Fernpass route. Driving early in the morning or late at night can often avoid traffic jams. The bypass via Garmisch – Mittenwald – Seefeld – Innsbruck is also an optional solution, but requires a toll. For those who would like to rely on rail when choosing their route, rail connections are available between Reutte, Garmisch and Innsbruck.

Interested drivers should also note that the Fernpass road does not currently have a toll, but a toll will be introduced from 2029. From then on, new payment options for toll routes will also be available. At the moment it is particularly important to keep yourself regularly informed about current traffic reports in order to be able to react in advance to possible traffic jams or obstructions. Information platforms like EVIS.AT offer valuable support with real-time data on the traffic situation in Austria.