Renovation of the Tauern and Katschberg Tunnel

Anyone driving through Austria towards Italy or Croatia by car will sooner or later pass along the Tauern Motorway A 10. The route between Salzburg and Villach is one of the most important north–south connections in the Alpine region and passes through, among others, the Tauern Tunnel and the Katschberg Tunnel. ASFINAG is planning a renovation project there, expected to run from autumn 2027 to 2033, which is unprecedented in its scope. Anyone planning the route during these years should therefore think ahead about what to expect on the road: around six years marked by single-lane traffic, speed limits, and significantly longer waiting times, especially during the holidays.

What ASFINAG Is Planning and What It Means for Drivers

ASFINAG intends to carry out a major renovation of the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel, expected to run from autumn 2027 to 2033. The plan involves a complete overhaul while traffic keeps flowing, in several stages — not as a short construction phase with full closure, but as a long-term construction site in the middle of travel traffic.

In concrete terms: in the Tauern Tunnel, approximately 6.8 kilometres long between Flachau and Zederhaus, and in the Katschberg Tunnel, approximately 6 kilometres between St. Michael im Lungau and Rennweg, traffic will be routed through a single lane only during construction. One of the two tubes will be temporarily taken out of service while the other accommodates all traffic in both directions. Speed limits of 60 to 80 km/h are intended to ensure safety during the works. The last comprehensive renovation of both tunnels took place around 15 years ago, and the demand is high: on average, approximately 24,000 vehicles use the route daily throughout the year, and according to the operator, that number rises to nearly 50,000 in the summer months. This is precisely why the upcoming renovation will be felt by many travellers.

Traffic Jam Risk During the Holidays: When It Gets Particularly Congested

Anyone who has driven the Tauern Motorway during the holidays knows how quickly traffic can back up there. During the planned renovation phase from autumn 2027 to 2033, this is likely to be felt even more acutely. Especially during heavily frequented travel periods such as Easter, Ascension Day, Whitsun, or Corpus Christi, ASFINAG anticipates tailbacks of up to 30 kilometres. Anyone travelling during these weeks should therefore not only expect a longer journey time, but plan the route from the outset with a time buffer.

There is a small relief during the peak holiday season: a construction break is planned in July and August. During this time, the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel should again be passable with two lanes per direction. Those who can schedule their summer holiday flexibly will have at least one period when the route is closer to the usual flow of traffic. Regardless of the travel period, it is worth setting off early, monitoring traffic reports, and checking the latest construction site information from ASFINAG before departure.

Closures, Diversions, and Alternative Routes

To prevent too much traffic from diverting onto narrow country roads, ASFINAG is planning measures similar to those taken during the already completed renovation of the tunnel chain between Golling and Werfen in June 2025. Along the A 10, driving bans and exit closures are therefore also planned. During the preparatory phase, night and full closures may also be required, for example for alterations to the portals or technical tests. Anyone using the route regularly should keep an eye on such restrictions not only during the actual renovation.

At the St. Michael im Lungau toll station, an additional entry lane is also to be created, with at least one barrier-free lane for vehicles with a digital road toll. This is intended to ease traffic flow towards the Katschberg Tunnel when longer queues form in front of the tunnel.

Those wishing to avoid the Tauern Motorway have several alternatives. On a wider scale, routes include the Felbertauern Road (B 108), the Pyhrn Motorway (A 9), and the Brenner Motorway (A 13), which pass through or around the Alps. Increased traffic is also to be expected on these routes during the holidays, so there is virtually no "congestion-free" alternative route in peak season. Those looking for a more local bypass can use the B 99 over the Radstädter Tauern and Katschberg. However, this route is only suitable for cars and lorries up to 7.5 t and requires appropriate winter equipment in the colder months.

For travellers heading to Carinthia, the Tauern Rail Shuttle may also be of interest — the car-loading service between Böckstein and Mallnitz. According to ADAC, it has been fully available again since July 2025. However, a five-month closure is planned for a second renovation phase at the beginning of 2027, which should also be factored into route planning.

The A 10 Has Already Been a Recurring Topic Recently

The announced mega-renovation does not stand alone, but fits into a series of construction projects on the Tauern Motorway. The tunnel chain between Golling and Werfen was only reopened in June 2025, after around two and a half years of renovation, without any construction-related restrictions. Shortly afterwards, in May 2026, a full closure in the Brentenberg Tunnel in the direction of Salzburg following a lorry fire caused significant diversions. Such individual incidents show how sensitive the overall route is and how quickly everyday travel on the A 10 can change.

Those wishing to find out in advance about the toll regulations for the tunnels will find detailed background information in our guides on the Tauern Tunnel and the Katschberg Tunnel.

Tolls and Travel Planning: What to Bear in Mind

If you use the Tauern Motorway, it is worth taking a quick look at the toll rules in Austria, as several systems come together here. On motorways and expressways, cars, motorcycles, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t MAM (maximum authorised mass excluding persons, field F.1 in the vehicle registration document) require a valid vignette. You can conveniently purchase the digital vignette in our online shop, so you can start your holiday perfectly prepared. If the MAM exceeds 3.5 t, the vignette requirement does not apply; instead, larger motorhomes, lorries, and buses require a GO-Box for the distance-based toll, which is charged per kilometre. Which rule applies to your vehicle is explained in our guide on vehicle categories.

In addition, Austria has special toll routes, also known as road tolls. These involve a separate flat-rate charge for a specific section, such as a tunnel or a mountain pass road. The Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel on the A 10 are among the special toll routes. A vignette and no distance-based GO-Box toll are required for driving through these tunnels themselves, because the road toll (special toll) applies here.

An important point for your planning, however: the tunnels are generally not accessible in isolation. The approach and departure routes on the Tauern Motorway and its feeder roads are, in most cases, subject to the vignette requirement (up to 3.5 t MAM) or the distance-based toll (over 3.5 t MAM). Anyone driving on toll-liable sections without a valid vignette or GO-Box risks paying a substitute toll and/or fines, even if the road toll for the tunnel itself has been paid. An overview of all special toll routes is provided in our article on road tolls and special tolls. Further details on all types of toll in Austria can be found in the guide Toll in Austria.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you a safe trip and relaxed travel planning, even if the Tauern Motorway will require more patience than usual in the coming years. Feel free to use our route planner to see which toll products your route requires. For the vignette requirement on motorways in Austria, you can conveniently purchase the digital vignette online from us. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time by email.

FAQ on the Tunnel Renovation on the Tauern Motorway

When Does the Renovation of the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel Begin – and When Does It End?

The major renovation is expected to begin in autumn 2027 and be completed around 2033. Over this period, travellers on the A 10 should expect construction site conditions.

How Long Does the Journey Through the Tunnels Take During the Construction Period?

A fixed duration is difficult to predict, as waiting times depend heavily on the time of travel. Generally expect single-lane traffic, speed limits, and waiting times, especially during the holidays. A construction break is planned in July and August, during which both tunnels should again be passable with two lanes per direction.

Do I Need a Vignette for the Tauern Tunnel and Katschberg Tunnel?

For the tunnel sections themselves, the road toll (special toll) applies, not the vignette. However, for most approach routes on the A 10 and connecting roads, you also need a valid vignette (up to 3.5 t MAM) or a GO-Box (over 3.5 t MAM), because the tunnels generally cannot be reached without approaching and departing on toll-liable routes.

How Do I Pay the Road Toll on the Tauern Motorway?

The road toll for special toll routes on the A 10 can be purchased, among other ways, digitally or at the toll stations. Current information on the procedure can be found with the operator, ideally before your departure.

What Alternative Routes Are There to the Tauern Motorway?

On a wider scale, options include the Felbertauern Road (B 108), the Pyhrn Motorway (A 9), and the Brenner Motorway (A 13). The B 99 as a local bypass is only suitable for lighter vehicles and requires appropriate winter equipment in the colder months.

Where Can I Find the Latest Construction Site Information?

Before every trip on the A 10, you should check ASFINAG's traffic reports and common traffic jam apps, especially during holiday weeks. This helps you avoid unnecessary surprises on the route.