GÖSCHENEN, Switzerland — April 2, 2026 The Gotthard Tunnel was closed in both directions early Thursday due to a broken-down vehicle, causing an 8-kilometer traffic jam southbound and prompting warnings of five-hour delays ahead of the busy Easter weekend. Authorities temporarily shut down the key Alpine route after a vehicle breakdown blocked traffic, according to multiple sources. The Touring-Club Schweiz (TCS) reported congestion stretching 8 kilometers toward the southern portal near Airolo TI by mid-morning.

The TCS warned travelers heading northbound to expect waits exceeding five hours at the Göschenen UR entrance on Good Friday. The club advised drivers from eastern Switzerland and the Zurich area to consider alternate routes if delays at the Gotthard exceed one hour, stating: *"Reisende aus der Ostschweiz und rund um Zürich könnten unter Umständen auf die San-Bernardino-Route ausweichen – die Umfahrung lohne sich dann, wenn die Wartezeit am Gotthard mehr als eine Stunde betrage."*

The closure comes during peak pre-holiday traffic as many Swiss residents begin Easter travel. The Gotthard Tunnel, a critical north-south transit corridor through the Alps, handles heavy truck and passenger vehicle volumes year-round.

No estimated reopening time was provided. Authorities urged motorists to monitor real-time traffic updates and prepare for extended delays throughout the holiday period.