Austria: A8 Innkreis Autobahn to be closed for ten months starting September 2026

The Innkreis Autobahn A8 will be completely closed in the southbound direction between the Wels-West interchange and the Voralpenkreuz junction starting September 15, 2026. The reason is a comprehensive safety renovation of the two tunnels, Noitzmühle and Steinhaus, in which ASFINAG is investing around 110 million euros.

In addition to the southbound closure, only one lane instead of two will be available in the northbound direction between September 15 and October 31, 2026. For long-distance truck traffic, a driving ban applies within the city area of Wels for the entire construction period, except for local origin and destination traffic.

Two construction phases until 2028

ASFINAG is dividing the renovation into two consecutive construction phases: In Phase 1, from September 2026 to early July 2027, the southbound direction will be completely closed. After a closure-free summer break, Phase 2 follows from mid-September 2027 to the end of June 2028, during which the northbound direction is next in line. According to ASFINAG project manager Manuel Prentner, lighting, ventilation, emergency call systems, video surveillance, and escape routes will be completely renewed in both tunnels.

Detour and alternative routes

The signposted detour leads via the Wels Autobahn (A25) toward Linz/Vienna to the Haid junction and from there via the A1 further toward Voralpenkreuz and Salzburg. For cars, the Wels Osttangente can serve as a shorter alternative. Travelers from Germany heading via Suben or Schärding toward Salzburg, Carinthia, or further to Italy and Croatia should factor in the additional travel time due to the detour when planning their trip.

Anyone continuing on via the A12 Inntal Autobahn toward Tyrol in autumn 2026 should also keep an eye on the eight-week complete closure of the Landeck Tunnel starting October 2026, as both construction sites overlap in time.

Toll in Austria

In Austria, cars, motorcycles, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight are subject to the vignette requirement. For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll applies instead, which is collected via the so-called GO-Box. Additionally, Austria has a separate special toll on certain tunnels and mountain pass roads, which must be paid there regardless of the vignette or GO-Box.

Anyone who regularly travels through several countries often benefits from the Europamaut flat rate: For 12.80 euros a month, vignettes for all eight supported countries are covered, with no commitment and the option to cancel at any time.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

For more information, visit our overview page on the Austria vignette as well as the page Toll in Austria. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime via email.