Fernpass blockade lifted after two-hour protest over tunnel and toll plans; traffic disruption minimal
A two-hour blockade of the key Alpine route by residents opposing new tunnels and a toll caused little disruption on Saturday, as authorities had warned drivers away in advance.
The blockade
Around 700 residents joined two demonstrations on both sides of the Fernpass (B179) on Saturday, blocking the important north-south transit route between Reutte and Nassereith from 10:00 to 12:00. The alternative Hahntennjochstraße (L246) was also closed. Shortly before noon the road reopened, and no major traffic jams were reported.
Im Moment ist alles ruhig.
Police had warned of possible tailbacks reaching into the Allgäu in Bavaria and advised against unnecessary trips to Tirol. The blockade coincided with the start of summer holidays in the German states of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
On the ground
Despite the holiday exodus, traffic remained unusually light. In Pfronten, the German town just across the border, the situation was described as exceptionally quiet.
In Pfronten it was as quiet as it never is on a Saturday.
Authorities recommended two large detours: one via Vorarlberg and the Arlberg (A96, A14), the other via Munich (A8), Kiefersfelden (A93) and the Inntal motorway (A12). Drivers heading to Italy were advised to use the Brenner motorway.
What protesters oppose
The citizens' initiative objects to the Tiroler Landesregierung's Fernpass package, which includes two new tunnels (a second bore for the Lermooser Tunnel and a new Fernpass tunnel at the pass summit) at a cost of 500 million euros, to be financed by a toll. Opponents argue that improved road capacity will attract even more transit traffic and further burden residents.
The effects on residents, environment, health and infrastructure are felt every day. A more efficient connection generates more traffic. Sustainable policy must avoid, manage and shift traffic rather than creating new capacity.
Next steps
A further demonstration is already announced for 1 August, to coincide with the start of the Bavarian summer holidays. The earlier Brenner blockade four weeks ago also saw no major chaos after drivers adjusted their travel plans.
- Blockade begins: B179 closed between Reutte and Nassereith, Hahntennjochstraße also shut.
- Blockade lifted, road reopens. No major traffic jams reported.
- Next demonstration planned to coincide with the start of Bavarian summer holidays.
