The number of traffic jams in Switzerland has exploded in recent years, with decades-old motorways no longer able to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.
According to a report published by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) in 2025, nearly 87 percent of bottlenecks in Switzerland are due to traffic congestion, and only about 4 percent to construction sites.
Congestion is worst around major urban centres and along major transit routes, including (but not limited to) the Gotthard Tunnel, as well as junctions around Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.
READ MORE: The numbers that reveal how bad traffic on Swiss motorways has become
The government’s initial plan to relieve the trafifc focused on expanding the motorways at key congestion points; this move was, however, rejected by 52.7 percent of voters in a 2024 referendum.
Since then, ASTRA has been seeking alternative solutions to alleviate the worsening traffic bottlenecks.
What is the government’s Plan B to limit traffic jams on highways?
ASTRA is currently examining the installation of 120 ses of traffic lights at the country’s busiest locations to regulate motorway-bound traffic in a staggered manner.
How would this work?
Vehicles would queue up, and the green light would allow a certain number of them to enter the motorway, while others would await their turn at the red light.
Though ASTRA said this ‘trickle’ system would limit the formation of traffic jams, the plan is drawing criticism from cantons and cities, as well as from some elected officials.
Critics point out that while the system could relieve one problem, it would create another at the same time.
Concretely, the Swiss Association of Cities warns that traffic congestion could shift into residential areas around the highways, leading to jams on local roads.
And a Green Party deputy Franziska Ryser pointed out that “we cannot simply focus on ensuring smooth traffic flow on the highway,” while neglecting surrounding areas.
Has the government already implemented other strategies to prevent traffic jams?
Yes, and it refers to them as “targeted measures based on network maintenance and traffic management using intelligent systems.”
What (and where) are they?
“Intelligent systems, which allow for speed adjustments and temporary opening of the hard shoulder to traffic, are already being successfully implemented in many locations, for example, between Bern-Wankdorf and Muri since August 2024,” ASTRA said.
“They contribute to better use of available infrastructure, improved road safety, and smoother traffic flow.”
