A2 Airolo/Passes fast lane
The Airolo/Passes Fast Exit Lane allows drivers to quickly reach Airolo and the Gotthard Pass road while staying on the highway, avoiding traffic jams and preventing congestion on the cantonal road. The purpose of the lane is to reduce the flow of traffic onto the northbound cantonal road—which causes inconvenience and hazards for local residents—and to at least partially compensate for the lack of capacity in the Gotthard motorway tunnel on days of heavy traffic.
The Airolo/Passes fast exit lane will be available starting Wednesday, May 13, 2026, depending on actual traffic conditions and only when the San Gottardo Pass road is open to traffic.The activation of the lane is always indicated by electronic signs and road signs along the route. Motorists are advised to follow the posted signs and traffic regulations.
Construction period
January 2025 - April 2026 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 fastlane 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 fastlane during the period when the mountain passes are open. This is indicated by illuminated signs, which inform drivers that they can reach Airolo without exiting the highway. The route is approximately 9 km long and runs from the Varenzo entrance interchange to the Airolo exit. To ensure the continuity of the fastlane, the Stalvedro service area has been bypassed by a new one-way ramp. The functionality of the Stalvedro area will remain intact, as will access from the service area to the floodplain of the Ticino River.
Traffic control
Most of the work on the fastlane 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 fastlane facility amounts to approximately CHF 25 million, all of which will be covered by the Swiss Confederation.
Bundesamt für Strassen ASTRA
Via Claudio Pellandini 2
6500 Bellinzona