Pongau tests transit system as return traffic slows A10

Holiday return traffic caused delays on the A10 Tauern Motorway in Pongau on Saturday, but a feared traffic jam on local roads did not materialise, ORF reported. Traffic was controlled in sections near two construction zones in Flachau and the Werfen tunnel system.

The motorway exit at Pfarrwerfen was completely closed throughout the day, while the A10 entrance at Werfen was also shut. The closures were part of a new transit management system for Pongau, tested for the first time to keep traffic on the motorway on busy travel days and local roads as free of congestion as possible.

The exit between Pfarrwerfen and Werfen remained closed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic queues formed before the Flachau construction zones and the Werfen tunnel system, where vehicles were released in controlled batches.

Franz Fritzenwallner, the mayor of Eben im Pongau, said the municipalities were cautiously optimistic about the new system. He said it was worth testing and assessing, but that more time was needed to determine whether it worked optimally.

ASFINAG plans to test closures at additional motorway entrances and exits on the next return-travel weekends. A long-term solution is to be developed with the mayors in autumn.