Although national roads account for only around 3 percent of the total Swiss road network, they carry 29.8 billion vehicle kilometers, or over 40 percent of the total mileage in the country. This is shown in the latest report “Traffic Development and Availability of National Roads 2024” by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), which has now been published.
Passenger traffic accounts for around 25 billion kilometers of this, while freight traffic is also heavily dependent on national roads: over 70 percent of all truck and delivery van journeys are handled here. National roads are therefore among the most efficient traffic areas in Switzerland.
55,569 hours of traffic jams – disruptions quickly bring the system to a standstill
As efficient as the network is, it is just as susceptible to disruptions. In 2024, 55,569 hours of traffic jams were recorded – an increase of 13.9 percent over the previous year. And this despite the fact that traffic increased by “only” 0.7 percent.
The main cause: traffic congestion. A full 87 percent of traffic jams are due to excessive traffic volumes. Construction sites play a comparatively minor role, accounting for only 4 percent. Commuter routes around urban centers such as Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, and Basel are particularly affected.
System under strain – even with minor disruptions
What worries experts is that even minor incidents such as breakdowns, accidents, or the so-called “hand organ effect” are enough to paralyze entire routes. The system is becoming increasingly sensitive – a sign that it is reaching its capacity limits.
The result: travel times become unpredictable, which particularly affects commuter traffic, the flow of goods, and the predictability of public transport. Confidence in the performance of the infrastructure is being put to the test.
What FEDRO is doing: technology, expansion, analysis
The Federal Roads Office is responding with a mix of intelligent control systems, targeted construction measures, and long-term planning. One successful example is the opening of the hard shoulder between Bern-Wankdorf and Muri, combined with dynamic speed control—a measure that makes traffic flow more smoothly and safely.
Another positive example is the expansion of the Gubrist Tunnel. Since the third tube was opened in the direction of Bern, the number of hours of traffic congestion there has been reduced by around 90 percent – from 1,400 in 2023 to around 150 in 2024.
Looking ahead: the “Traffic ’45” project is set to chart a new course
In the long term, ASTRA wants to work with other federal agencies, cantons, and the scientific community to create a new basis for future transport decisions. The “Transport ’45” project, which is being carried out by ETH Zurich on behalf of DETEC, is examining all planned road and rail projects in terms of their usefulness and necessity.
The results of this comprehensive analysis are expected in the third quarter of 2025 and will serve as a strategic foundation for the next generation of transport decisions.
The goal remains a resilient, efficient network
National roads connect not only regions, but also living spaces, workplaces, and economic centers. The federal government’s long-term goal is clear: to ensure availability, prevent diversion traffic and create a more resilient network that remains stable even in the event of disruptions or construction sites.
What does the 2024 traffic flow report show?
The 2024 traffic flow report shows that Switzerland’s national roads are heavily used and increasingly reaching their limits. With almost 30 billion kilometers driven and over 55,000 hours of traffic jams, it is clear that congestion is growing and that selective expansion and smart traffic management are urgently needed. FEDRO is responding with measures and strategies for a sustainable network.
