Although nighttime usually brings a peaceful lull to the roads, travelers heading toward Switzerland will soon encounter an unexpected twist along the A9 highway. This major route, well known for connecting Italy to Switzerland, will experience nighttime closures from March 23 to March 24, specifically between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
Anyone planning a late-night journey from Como Centro to Chiasso or from Lago di Como to the A59 Tangenziale di Como should prepare for a bit of a detour, as these sections of the motorway will be temporarily off-limits.
Late-night travelers from Como Centro to Chiasso or Lago di Como to A59 Tangenziale should expect detours as these motorway sections close temporarily.
The reason behind these nighttime closures is not mysterious; it’s all about important maintenance work on high-voltage cables, conducted by the Terna Company. This work is not only necessary but also fully compliant with Italian legislative regulations, ensuring safety and reliability for future travelers. During this time, travelers should consider exploring nearby towns like Varenna for a taste of local culture.
While the maintenance crew might be night owls, the impact will be felt by commuters and long-distance travelers alike. Drivers heading from Como Centro toward Chiasso will need to exit at Como Centro, while those moving from the Lago di Como exit toward A59 Tangenziale will be rerouted—required to leave at Lago di Como and re-enter the highway at Fino Mornasco.
Naturally, these changes will affect travel times. For instance, a trip from Milan to Lugano, which might usually glide smoothly through the night, could see an increase of about 30 minutes. Similarly, travelers journeying from Lecco to Chiasso may have to budget an extra 20 minutes.
While these expected delays might not totally ruin travel plans, they could certainly eat into valuable sleep or late-night snack runs. To help avoid any unwelcome surprises, travelers are encouraged to check traffic conditions before setting out. Real-time updates can be a lifesaver, especially when every minute counts.
Considering alternative routes might also be wise, as detours could offer a less congested path to the destination. For those who prefer not to wrestle with wheels during maintenance work, public transportation could be a smart solution, bypassing the highway closures altogether with options like ferries connecting iconic towns.
Ultimately, while a bit of inconvenience is on the horizon, these nighttime closures are a temporary measure to safeguard the future of the route. With a little planning, a dash of flexibility, and perhaps a podcast or playlist for company, commuters can navigate these changes and continue their journeys around Lake Como with minimal fuss.
