Brenner Pass travel disruptions strain Germany‑Italy road and rail links

In summer 2026 the Brenner Autobahn (A13 in Austria, A22 in Italy) is affected by a long‑term construction project on the Lueg bridge. The work forces one‑lane traffic in both directions on many days, creating extended queues for motorists traveling between Germany, Austria and Italy. The Austrian ASFINAG advises drivers to plan trips on weekdays, travel early or at night, and consider alternative routes such as the Brenner federal road (B 182/SS 12), the Gotthard or San Bernardino corridors, or the Tauern highway.

At the same time, the Brenner railway corridor between Innsbruck and Verona will be closed from 17 July to 1 August 2026 for essential repair work. Up to 100 daily trains—including international, regional and freight services—will be replaced by bus shuttles, with longer travel times of about 30 minutes. Passengers are urged to check revised timetables, allow extra time, and arrange special assistance if needed. The closure coincides with plans to launch new high‑speed connections between Munich, Milan and Rome later in 2026, which aim to offer a faster rail alternative to the congested road route.