Hippe S, Lambracht M, Chilla T (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Book Volume: 18
Article Number: 100335
Journal Issue: 10
DOI: 10.1016/j.rspp.2026.100335
The Brenner Corridor is the busiest trans-Alpine transit route and a central focus of transport policy debates. These debates are driven primarily by concerns about the significant environmental impact caused by high traffic volumes. Although the ongoing construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel represents one of the most prominent transport infrastructure investments in Europe, shifting traffic from road to rail remains a lengthy process, meaning that pressure on the existing road network will continue for the foreseeable future. Against this background, the temporary closure of the Brenner Corridor on 30 May 2026 provided a unique opportunity to examine the vulnerability of trans-Alpine transport networks. The closure resulted from a demonstration by the local population against increasing transport volumes and associated pollution. Given its timing during the holiday season in southern Germany, concerns emerged that diverted traffic could cause severe disruption on neighbouring trans-Alpine corridors. This article analyses real-time travel time data to assess the impacts of the closure on surrounding Alpine routes. Contrary to widespread expectations, the results show no significant disruption on the analysed corridors. The findings suggest that early communication and travellers’ ability to adapt their behaviour may have helped prevent major congestion. The article discusses the lessons that can be drawn from this case for future Alpine and European transport policy.
APA:
Hippe, S., Lambracht, M., & Chilla, T. (2026). The one-day closure of the Brenner Pass: Lessons learnt for Alpine and European transport policy. Regional Science Policy & Practice, 18(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rspp.2026.100335
MLA:
Hippe, Stefan, Markus Lambracht, and Tobias Chilla. "The one-day closure of the Brenner Pass: Lessons learnt for Alpine and European transport policy." Regional Science Policy & Practice 18.10 (2026).
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