Arlberg Tunnel Reopens After Extensive Renovation

Arlberg Tunnel Reopens After Extensive Renovation

APA/MARKUS STEGMAYR
APA/MARKUS STEGMAYR

 

The renovation of the Arlberg Road Tunnel between Tyrol and Vorarlberg has been completed. A total of 75 million euros was invested in two phases of renovation. “There will be no more closures like this for years to come,” said Asfinag board member Herbert Kasser at a press conference on Friday to mark the tunnel’s reopening in St. Jakob am Arlberg (Landeck district).

A complete closure was already necessary for the renovation of the Arlberg Tunnel from April to October 2023. This year’s phase of the renovation began again on April 15. “Safety has no price tag,” Kasser argued, emphasizing the necessity of the investment. He also provided data and figures related to the renovation of the 14-kilometer-long tunnel: “In the two phases of the renovation, 23,000 cubic meters of concrete roadway, 105,000 square meters of asphalt base course, 110,000 square meters of tunnel lining, and 12,000 square meters of sealing for gallery structures were used.” This has resulted in a “significant safety upgrade.” To highlight the scale of investment, Kasser noted that since 2005, approximately 300 million euros have been invested in renovations.

In addition to the tunnel renovation, the Arlberg toll station was also modernized, with an additional 30.5 million euros allocated to this project. The toll station features a 3,900-square-meter concrete surface and wooden structures totaling 1,200 cubic meters. Additionally, 2,000 cubic meters of concrete and 340 tons of steel construction were used.

The tunnel was partially opened on Thursday evening, just before the “official opening” on Friday, to allow stranded drivers through. Heavy snowfall had led to the complete closure of the Arlberg Pass Road (B179) between St. Anton am Arlberg and the Tyrol/Vorarlberg state border in both directions.

“Investment in Austria’s Longest Road Tunnel”

Political leaders in the west expressed satisfaction on Friday. Vorarlberg’s regional safety councilor, Christian Gantner (ÖVP), who stood in for Governor Markus Wallner (ÖVP) due to illness, emphasized the importance of the project: “The money was invested in Austria’s longest road tunnel, which also serves as a highly significant traffic artery.” Gantner expressed particular delight that the tunnel reopened “on schedule” — November 22 had been set as the target date from the start of this year’s closure. “With 9,000 vehicles passing through the tunnel daily, it serves as a lifeline and backbone for the region and beyond, and it is finally reopened,” he added.

Tyrol’s Governor Anton Mattle (ÖVP) also highlighted the importance of the timely reopening of the tunnel. “The timeframe for the renovation was very tight,” he noted. The fact that it was completed precisely on time is crucial: “The reopening comes just in time for the start of the winter season.” Mattle also emphasized the essential nature of the investment in safety: “Traffic and supply security must always be ensured under the highest safety standards.” He added that the tunnel is more than just a guarantee for supply lines: “If traffic through the tunnel is disrupted, the two provinces are essentially cut off from one another.”

Mattle and Gantner Refer to Landslides at the Arlberg

The Arlberg Tunnel is particularly significant in light of past landslides, Mattle continued. In August of this year, heavy storms and landslides in St. Anton am Arlberg caused a prolonged closure of the Arlberg Pass Road, which, aside from the tunnel, is the only direct connection between Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Gantner also referenced the “landslide events,” stating, “The cleanup efforts there were extraordinary.”

 

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