Truck chaos due to snow

“This is exactly what we warned about, nothing happened!”

Who is liable for the costs of the hour-long traffic jam on the highway? That is the big question.

(Bild: MARKUS ANGERER)

The Transitforum Austria approached the provincial government back in November 2023 with possible solutions - no response to date. At least various possible solutions are now to be examined. 

Both LH Anton Mattle and LR René Zumtobel received mail from Fritz Gurgiser in the fall of last year. They should be better prepared for extreme situations on the Brenner freeway with a "Cobra dosing system": "The last few weeks have shown a picture that has not been seen in this clarity in the very long history of transit: every accident on the A12, A13 or A22 leads to a de facto standstill with kilometers of traffic jams and thus to high economic costs," Gurgiser wrote at the time.

Digitalization would make it possible
In addition, increasingly heavy rainfall combined with mudslides, landslides and storm damage are to be expected. All of this requires "urgent action", Gurgiser appealed in the four-page letter, while also pointing out possible solutions: "We once again refer to the intelligent possibility of interconnecting the traffic calming systems that have been in place for decades on the A93, A12, A13 and A22 from Rosenheim to Verona in order to be able to react immediately to all events and thus maintain the safety, ease and fluidity of traffic."

Heavy snowfall on the Brenner Pass paralyzed the freeway. The aim now is to be better prepared for extreme weather events.

(Bild: MARKUS ANGERER)

It's about the Rosenheim-Verona route 
Furthermore, all important information should also be made available to the various providers of navigation devices at the same time - whether in trucks, cars, buses, etc., "to prevent the car or truck navigation system from displaying 'free travel' while the overhead signs warn of traffic jams, obstructions and even closures." But none of this happened, and what's more: Gurgiser didn't even receive a reply.

Is this the government's propagated 'new style'? This is unworthy of a democracy and shows a lack of decency and respect.

Transitforum-Obmann Fritz Gurgiser

Measures are being examined
But the pressure on politicians is increasing. A crisis meeting was held with Asfinag on Monday evening. "A need for improvement was identified in direct and targeted communication with haulier associations and transport companies," announced LR Zumtobel. Stricter checks on winter equipment and a ban on trucks driving in the second and third lanes on steep stretches of road are also to be examined.

20 clearing and 10 towing trucks in use
150 trucks, each weighing around 40 tons, caused a total closure of the Brenner freeway on Friday. Each of these had to be towed away individually, reported highway operator Asfinag. Measures were taken immediately to prevent a traffic collapse on the entire Tyrolean road network by increasing the truck dosage at midday through to a complete closure in the afternoon, said Transport Minister René Zumtobel (SPÖ).