As of: February 8, 2024, 10:26 a.m
By: Karin Holly
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The planned Fernpass tunnel between Reutte and Leermos could ensure high traffic volumes in Garmisch.
© Map: ADAC
A long-planned – and now forgotten – tunnel project by neighbors in Tyrol is picking up speed again.
Politicians and residents on both sides of the border fear that this could further worsen the already tense traffic situation in the Garmisch area.
An online petition against the tunnel was even started.
A planned tunnel project by neighbors in the Austrian state of Tyrol is causing great concern for many residents and politicians in the Garmisch area.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Ettal, Mittenwald, Scharnitz and Seefeld are used to high traffic volumes during public holidays and holiday periods.
However, they fear that a new tunnel project could significantly worsen the situation.
According to ADAC, the Tyroleans plan to start building the tunnel in 2026.
Plans stipulate that the 1.4 kilometer long summit tunnel should replace the pass road.
And although such a tunnel should, if not solve, then at least alleviate the problems with black ice in winter, landslides and avalanches, politicians fear that this will come at a price for drivers and residents.
Authorities expect the tunnel to be completed by 2028.
Once operational, drivers will have to pay tolls.
According to ADAC, this should amount to 14 euros per trip for car drivers.
There are also no exceptions for residents and commuters.
The cost of an annual ticket would be 140 euros.
But what may have a greater impact on residents is the expected increase in traffic.
Drivers will be able to bypass the tunnel if they choose the route via Garmisch, Mittenwald and Zirler Berg to Innsbruck instead of via Füssen and Reutte.
But that will cause other problems for the area around Garmisch.
Because: This route has been a popular route to the south for decades.
MPs fear that the tunnel would bring even more traffic to their area than is already the case.
More traffic jams due to tolls?
The area is used to a lot of traffic, said Elisabeth Koch (CSU), mayor of the Garmisch-Partenkirchen market.
“You could then say it doesn’t matter anyway.
But it doesn't matter!
In the districts of Partenkirchen and Garmisch it is no longer bearable, and that is now making the situation even worse.” In an interview with the Kreisbote, Koch described how residents in the area were having massive problems despite traffic lights and crossing aids.
“Because drivers apparently only view red lights with a recommendatory effect.
This is very, very bitter.
We are choking on traffic.” A toll would only deepen the problem.
Together with the mayor of Mittenwald Enrico Corongiu (SPD), Koch wrote a letter to the State Minister for European Affairs and International Eric Beißwenger.
The mayors at least found a sympathetic ear here, said Koch, but that didn't really get them anywhere.
“Knowing full well that we are only mayors in the Free State of Bavaria.
I have to say that we completely lack the competence to regulate things.” Koch would like to see more exchange at all levels.
“I can call my counterparts in the surrounding municipalities,” said the mayor, but that doesn’t cross borders.
“We need a voice to represent us.”
Garmisch-Partenkirchen district administrator Anton Speer (Free Voters) is trying to be that voice.
“If I tell you, I’m dealing with this issue on an ongoing basis,” Speer said.
Speer also sees that the upcoming tunnel and toll project could cause many insoluble traffic problems.
“The traffic will definitely increase, and of course we are already overloaded on certain days.” Just like the mayor, Speer also fears that drivers would avoid the toll and, despite the extra 20 kilometers from Munich, then drive through the district and over the Zirler Berg towards the south.
Crown tunnel has always been controversial
Actually, the planned summit tunnel is not really a new topic and has always been controversial.
For more than ten years, the tunnel has been debated, sometimes more and sometimes less controversially.
District Administrator Speer heard about the revival of the plans during a New Year's reception.
“The Tyroleans have a new state government, and the coalition agreement states that the mountain pass summit tunnel should be built, along with the toll that would then be due for everyone,” saidsperr.
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Although tunnel construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, it could still take a while for implementation.
“There are only preliminary discussions with the Tyrolean state government, but if all of this were to happen like this, many areas would have to struggle with increased traffic volumes.”
Anti-tunnel petition started
The Tyrolean association Alpentransit Ausserfern from Lermoos also sees this.
The association recently launched a petition that has already collected more than 1,000 signatures and is receiving more votes online.
“The summit tunnel and the toll are not in the interest of the Tyroleans in the Ausserfern, the Gurgltal and Mieminger Platneu,” writes the association on “openpedition.eu”.
A Fernpass toll would separate Tyroleans economically and mentally more than it would deter tourists.
District Administrator Speer and Mayor Koch see it similarly.
Discussions would have to be held at the state level and with the Tyrolean government partners.
“However, responsibility lies with the Tyrolean state government,” said Speer.
“We just have to keep trying to talk to them and point out that the tunnel and the toll could also have negative effects on Tyrolean communities.”
Koch also points out the need for further discussions.
“As the provincial mayor, I am not alone in solving the problem of this insane traffic volume.
“You have to see it when even the side streets in town are completely closed on weekends and public holidays,” explained Koch.
According to ADAC, many travelers by car are currently taking the Fernpass.
At peak times there are up to 30,000 vehicles a day - cars that can sometimes use the toll-free Garmisch after tunnel construction and due to a toll.
However, there are no further discussions scheduled at the moment.
According to Speer, we would work very well with the Tyrolean communities.
“We have a lot of things in common and have already launched a lot of projects.” Now it’s important to continue talking to our border colleagues, constantly monitor the situation and “stay on the ball,” said the district administrator.