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 and Voralpenkreuz interchange from 15 September 2026. The reason is a comprehensive safety renovation of the Noitzmühle and Steinhaus tunnels, into 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 15 September and 31 October 2026. For long-distance truck traffic, a driving ban will apply in the city area of Wels for the entire construction period, with the exception of local destination and origin 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 will be worked on. According to ASFINAG project manager Manuel Prentner, lighting, ventilation, emergency call systems, video surveillance and escape routes in both tunnels will be completely renewed.

Diversion and alternative routes

The signposted diversion leads via the Welser Autobahn (A25) towards Linz/Vienna to the Haid interchange and from there via the A1 towards Voralpenkreuz and Salzburg. For cars, the Welser Osttangente can serve as a shorter alternative. Travellers from Germany heading via Suben or Schärding towards Salzburg, Carinthia or further on to Italy and Croatia should factor the additional travel time via the diversion firmly into their journey planning.

Anyone continuing on via the A12 Inntal Autobahn towards Tyrol in autumn 2026 should also keep the eight-week full closure of the Landeck Tunnel from October 2026 in mind, as both construction sites coincide in time.

Toll in Austria

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

Anyone who regularly travels through several countries often benefits from the Vignette Flat Rate: for 12.80 euros* per 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 trip!

You can find more information on our overview page about the Austria vignette as well as on the page Toll in Austria. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.