GÖSCHENEN, Switzerland — April 3, 2026 The Gotthardstrasse will remain closed from Saturday to Tuesday between Amsteg and Wassen due to avalanche danger, causing severe traffic congestion and delays for travelers heading south. The closure has led to a 20-kilometer traffic jam on the A2 between Erstfeld and Göschenen, with wait times exceeding three hours. Authorities are urging travelers bound for Italy to consider alternative routes, including the A9 via Simplon or the Great St. Bernard, as well as the car transport service at Lötschberg. On Wednesday morning, heavy travel traffic toward the south already caused significant delays near the Gotthardstrassentunnel. The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) also warned of potential delays on the A13 route through the San Bernardino tunnel, recommending it as another alternative. The avalanche risk follows recent heavy snowfall in the region, prompting officials to prioritize safety over traffic flow. No reopening timeline has been confirmed beyond the initial Tuesday estimate. The Gotthard route is a critical transit corridor for north-south travel in Europe, particularly for freight and passenger traffic between Switzerland and Italy. Seasonal closures due to weather are not uncommon but often lead to major disruptions.