Long-distance drivers faced kilometre-long queues on the A12 Inntal Autobahn on 22 October as routine Austrian police border controls at Kufstein coincided with lane closures for resurfacing near Zirl. The travel-news portal Reisereporter reported backups of up to 12 km toward the German A93, with waiting times exceeding 90 minutes at peak.
The congestion was exacerbated by increased freight traffic ahead of the National Holiday weekend and by Bavarian holidaymakers heading south. Officials reminded drivers that Austria’s temporary border controls with Germany remain in force until at least 16 October 2026, requiring trucks to pass through inspection bays.
For logistics providers, the delays underscore the need to use alternative crossings at Lueg and Kiefersfelden where possible and to schedule time-sensitive perishables during the night-hours exemption (22:00-05:00) when construction is paused. Rail freight via the Brenner line remains unconstrained, and ÖBB Rail Cargo has reported spare capacity.
ASFINAG’s predictive models show that lane restrictions will remain through early November. Companies with employee commuters between Innsbruck and Rosenheim should consider remote-work arrangements on 25 and 28 October when peak return traffic is expected.
The incident provides a real-world preview of potential choke-points once biometric scanning for the EU Entry/Exit System is introduced at road borders next spring.
The congestion was exacerbated by increased freight traffic ahead of the National Holiday weekend and by Bavarian holidaymakers heading south. Officials reminded drivers that Austria’s temporary border controls with Germany remain in force until at least 16 October 2026, requiring trucks to pass through inspection bays.
For logistics providers, the delays underscore the need to use alternative crossings at Lueg and Kiefersfelden where possible and to schedule time-sensitive perishables during the night-hours exemption (22:00-05:00) when construction is paused. Rail freight via the Brenner line remains unconstrained, and ÖBB Rail Cargo has reported spare capacity.
ASFINAG’s predictive models show that lane restrictions will remain through early November. Companies with employee commuters between Innsbruck and Rosenheim should consider remote-work arrangements on 25 and 28 October when peak return traffic is expected.
The incident provides a real-world preview of potential choke-points once biometric scanning for the EU Entry/Exit System is introduced at road borders next spring.
