New Roadway for Arlberg Tunnel:
Renovation After 45 Years of Operation
At the end of April 2023, ASFINAG began extensive rehabilitation work on the nearly five-decade-old roadway in the Arlberg Tunnel. As a result, this most important road link between Tyrol and Vorarlberg will be closed for several months in each of the summer months of 2023 and 2024.
ASFINAG is investing 75 million euros in the renovation over the next two years. In addition to the complete renewal of the roadway (23 500 m3 of concrete pavement and 105 000 m2 of asphalt surface), 110,000 m2 of tunnel coating and the drainage system will also be rehabilitated over the entire length of the tunnel. The 14-kilometer tunnel will be unavailable for five months in 2023 and six months in 2024. During the work, various safety electronic devices and the ventilation system must also be switched off. Without active safety systems, no traffic will be allowed through the tunnel. Likewise, for work safety reasons, no traffic can pass through the construction site during the activities.
ASFINAG is relying on recycling for the 23 500 m3 concrete carriageway. Around 60 percent of the old roadbed will be reused and installed on site after the material has been processed in a mixing plant. Because no landfill areas are required and recycling largely takes place on site, waste and truck journeys are significantly reduced.
