A2 Airolo/Passes preferential lane CUPRA
In 2025, work began on the main construction of the final CUPRA, which involves bypassing the San Gottardo Sud service area via a dedicated slip road and installing specific automated signage. The activities in 2025 focused in particular on the construction of the main structures (extension of the existing Stalvedro underpass, new Stalvedro underpass, and new retaining walls) and the start of construction of the slip road bypassing the rest area, in addition to work on the installation of new signage (variable message signs, video surveillance, signage portals) . The final CUPRA will be put into operation when the Alpine passes reopen in summer 2026. Project activities not directly related to the CUPRA lane (renovation of the bridge in the Sort area, refurbishment of the heavy vehicle rest area, etc.) will be completed by autumn 2026.
CUPRA will be closed during the winter season. Updates regarding the opening in 2026 will be announced in due course.
Construction period
January 2025 - April 2026 CUPRA overpass
Spring 2026 - Fall 2026 Bridge renovation in the Sort area
What will be built?
A special lane on the highway leading directly from Varenzo to the Airolo exit and to the Gotthard and Nufenen passes, bypassing the Stalvedro service area to prevent traffic from intersecting with the highway entrances and exits to the service area.
Purpose
The main objectives of the CUPRA for northbound road users are the following:
- to shorten journey times on the Quinto-Airolo section for vehicles wishing to drive over the pass road
- a drastic reduction in traffic congestion on the cantonal road in a south-north direction
- to facilitate access to the pass road as an alternative to the tunnel
- increase safety in general, but especially for the local population using the cantonal road
Contents of the project
The project involves converting the emergency lane into a CUPRA lane during the period when the passes are open. This will be activated by illuminated signs, which will indicate to users that they can reach Airolo without leaving the motorway. The route is approximately 9 km long and runs from the Varenzo entrance junction to the Airolo exit. To ensure the continuity of the CUPRA lane, the Stalvedro service area will be bypassed by a new one-way slip road. The functionality of the Stalvedro area will remain guaranteed, as will access from the service area to the floodplain of the Ticino River.
Traffic control
Most of the work on the CUPRA project was carried out without causing any disruption to traffic.Access to the Stalvedro service area will always be guaranteed, as will the use of parking spaces for light and heavy vehicles.
Costs
The planned investment for the construction of the final CUPRA facility amounts to approximately CHF 28 million, all of which will be covered by the Swiss Confederation.