Traffic Congestion Figures Switzerland: ASTAG Demands Priority for National Roads

The congestion of national roads has further intensified over the past year, with the mark of 50,000 hours of traffic jams per year being exceeded for the first time in 2024, and by a significant margin. This is shown by the traffic congestion figures published today by the Federal Office of Roads ASTRA. The Swiss commercial vehicle association ASTAG calls for a return to a high-performance road infrastructure and clear priorities in traffic planning.

(Bern) The Swiss commercial vehicle association ASTAG takes note of the traffic congestion figures published today by the Federal Office of Roads ASTRA with concern. The negative trend that has persisted for years has continued unabated in 2024, reaching a new high of 55,569 hours of traffic jams. The main reason for this is once again not construction sites or accidents, but traffic overload. The volume of traffic jams has long exceeded tolerable levels. Even more alarming is the persistently high growth rate: compared to 2023, there is an increase of 14%, and when viewed over five years, it has almost doubled.

Rising Traffic Congestion Affects Heavy Traffic

Rising traffic congestion affects heavy traffic without fault. With around 52,000 units, the vehicle fleet has hardly changed in years, and the mileage is stable. Nevertheless, the road transport industry feels the consequences every day; the loss of time on the road translates into massive additional costs: congestion burdens the industry through lower vehicle utilization, interruptions in operational processes, and increasing fuel consumption in multiple ways. “Traffic jams are not only an annoyance for the transport industry but also a cost factor,” says ASTAG Central President Thierry Burkart.

Over 80 percent of freight transport in Switzerland is handled on the road. Efficient roads are therefore not only the basis for the transport industry but also a prerequisite for the reliable supply of the population and the economy. Prosperity and growth are based on mobility and logistics, and this requires a demand-oriented infrastructure.

Clear Priorities in Infrastructure Planning

Traffic management, such as speed limits or the opening of emergency lanes, provides temporary and localized relief. However, it is evidently not sufficient to effectively and comprehensively alleviate the overload of national roads. The targeted elimination of bottlenecks is becoming increasingly urgent. Only targeted expansions can sustainably reverse the trend of traffic jams. In particular, there is no alternative to a high-performance and modern road infrastructure for freight transport. The railways cannot absorb the quantities transported on the road in the long term. “Realism in infrastructure planning is absolutely necessary now,” emphasizes ASTAG Central President Thierry Burkart: “otherwise, mobility and logistics will continue to stagnate.”

Traffic 45’ is an Opportunity for More Realism

In this context, ASTAG welcomes the re-prioritization of expansion projects for roads and railways commissioned by Federal Councilor Rösti. Traffic 45’ is an opportunity for more realism and balance in traffic planning. National roads must regain the priority that reflects their importance for mobility and logistics in Switzerland.

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