Published On: Sat, Jan 17th, 2026

A10 Bottleneck Cleared: Brentenberg Tunnel Reopens After Truck Fire Repairs

A major bottleneck in Austria’s north-south transit corridor has been cleared. The Brentenberg Tunnel on the A10 Tauern motorway officially reopened today, restoring full traffic flow after a disruptive week-long closure caused by a severe truck fire.

The reopening, announced by motorway operator ASFINAG this morning, January 17, 2026, brings immense relief to commuters and freight operators who have faced gridlock and long detours across the Salzburg region.

From Fire to Flow

On January 9, a truck caught fire at the gallery entrance to the tunnel, causing significant structural damage and forcing a total shutdown. The incident compounded existing travel chaos caused by the extreme winter weather and black ice warnings affecting southern Austria earlier this week.

After intensive safety inspections, ASFINAG engineers confirmed the tunnel is safe.

  • Traffic Capacity: Two lanes in each direction (four lanes total) have been restored.
  • Speed Limit: A temporary limit of 80 km/h applies in the affected section.
  • Repairs: Engineers installed supporting structures in the gallery, while tests confirmed the main tunnel vault remains stable.

Vital Link Restored

The Brentenberg Tunnel is a critical artery connecting Salzburg with Carinthia and Italy. Its closure had severe knock-on effects for logistics, similar to the disruptions seen on the rail network due to snow.

The reopening is expected to immediately reduce congestion on secondary detour routes and restore reliability for international freight. “Reopening was prioritized to ease congestion, while permanent repairs will continue in parallel,” an ASFINAG spokesperson stated.

Political Response

Local authorities welcomed the news as a “major win for regional transit.” However, opposition voices criticized the length of the disruption, calling for improved contingency planning for critical infrastructure. The incident highlights the vulnerability of alpine transit routes, a topic often discussed in the context of Austria’s expanding rail projects as alternatives to road freight.

Drivers are advised to respect the temporary speed limits as reinforcement work continues in the coming months.

About the Author

- Nicole Marco is a driven journalist with a commitment to uncovering the truth. With over eight years of experience, she has made a name for herself in the industry with her investigative reporting and incisive writing. Nicole holds a degree in journalism from the University of Graz and has worked for well-respected Austrian newspapers. Her work has been recognized with several awards and she is dedicated to delivering in-depth and insightful journalism to her readers. Known for her courage and professionalism, Nicole is a valuable asset to the Austrian journalism community.

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