Astra tests ways to ease recurring jams at Landquart

Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office is studying long-term measures to reduce congestion at the A13 junction near Landquart, SRF reports.

The office, known as Astra, is using cameras to track traffic, including when and where vehicles pass, where queues form, how long they last and whether they block other access roads. It will use the data to run traffic simulations and assess which measures could work over the long term. The aim is to reduce drivers’ use of village roads to avoid congestion.

From 2029, drivers will be allowed to use the hard shoulder during traffic jams, while the speed limit will be reduced to 80 kilometres per hour to keep traffic moving.

Astra is also considering traffic lights to meter vehicles joining the A13 towards Zurich, allowing cars onto the motorway in stages when needed. Drivers would then have to wait on the exit road and other access roads. The collected data will help determine whether there is enough space and how the measure would affect traffic. Similar metering is being considered at the La Punt/Reichenau and Bonaduz junctions.

The canton of Graubünden said it welcomed Astra’s assessments. The federal office recognises that keeping vehicles on the motorway could shift queues onto access roads and has worked with local authorities, SRF reports.

Landquart municipal executive Andreas Thöny said residents wanted a comprehensive solution. Rebuilding the junction would take about 15 years at the earliest and would first need to clear political and financial hurdles. Thöny said residents would accept an interim period of disruption if it meant the problem would ultimately be solved. No decision has been made on whether a comprehensive solution is possible or which long-term measures Astra will pursue.