by France introduces truck driving ban in 38 departments. From Wednesday 4:00 a.m.
The French Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, has announced a temporary ban on heavy goods vehicles in 38 departments due to severe winter weather conditions. The restrictions will come into force on Wednesday from 4:00 a.m.
The ban covers a wide area from the Charente department to the Belgian border, including Centre-Val de Loire and the Île-de-France region. According to weather forecasts, 3–7 cm of snow is expected across most affected departments, with up to 15 cm in the Ardennes. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, particularly during the morning hours.
The decision follows a series of serious road accidents linked to the winter weather. Since the start of the snow episode, at least seven fatalities have been reported on roads in regions including Île-de-France, Brittany and Landes.
⚠️ Important for drivers:
• The ban applies to heavy goods vehicles (local exceptions may apply).
• On the A63 motorway, traffic towards the France–Spain border remains suspended.
• Drivers are advised not to plan transit through the affected departments during the ban period.
The situation remains dynamic and restrictions may be extended or expanded depending on weather developments.
by France: exemptions from truck bans in Normandy and western regions. Closures, restrictions and liftings
French prefectures have introduced exemptions from Sunday bans on heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in Normandy and western France. At the same time, road closures, speed restrictions and overtaking bans are in force in many departments.
Exemptions from the traffic ban – Normandy
The Normandy Prefecture has issued an order lifting the traffic ban on heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes GVW used for road freight transport in all departments of the region: Calvados (14), Eure (27), Manche (50), Orne (61), Seine-Maritime (76).
The exemption applies:
• Saturday, 10 January 2026 from 22:00 to 24:00,
• Sunday, 11 January 2026 from 00:00 to 16:00.
Western France – exemption for animal feed transport
A temporary exemption from the traffic ban has also been granted for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes GVW transporting animal feed. The decision covers all departments of the so-called western defence zone: Brittany, Normandy, Centre-Val de Loire and Pays de la Loire.
The exemption applies:
• from Saturday, 10 January 2026 at 22:00,
• until Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 22:00.
Road bans and closures
Pyrénées-Orientales (66)
Due to difficult weather conditions in mountainous areas:
• RN320 (L’Hospitalet – Col du Puymorens – Andorra) and RN22 (access to Andorra) – truck traffic ban from Friday, 9 January at 17:00,
• from 18:00, the same sections are completely closed in both directions to all vehicles,
• RN20 (Foix – Ur) – truck traffic ban from 17:00.
Haut-Rhin (68)
Closure of passes in the Alsatian Vosges to vehicles with a GVW over 3.5 tonnes. Passage is possible only via the Maurice Lemaire Tunnel (A4).
Valid from Friday, 9 January at 18:00 until Monday, 12 January.
Lozère (48)
Traffic ban for articulated heavy goods vehicles:
• on RN88 between Mende and the border with the Ardèche department,
• on the road network east of RD806 and north of RD901.
Valid on 9 January from 12:00 to 19:00.
RN134 – direction Spain
Truck traffic ban between Gurmençon and the Somport Tunnel and the Spanish border, except for local transport.
Speed and overtaking restrictions
• Côtes-d’Armor (22) and Finistère (29) – overtaking ban and speed limit reduced to 20 km/h.
• Mayenne (53) – speed reduced by 20 km/h and overtaking ban for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
• Somme (80) – speed restrictions for all vehicles and overtaking ban for trucks over 3.5 tonnes on secondary roads (from 8 January until Friday 23:00).
• Sarthe (72) – speed reduced by 20 km/h and overtaking ban for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (from 8 January at 18:00 to 9 January at 12:00).
• Northern France (Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Somme) – speed limits:
➡️ 110 km/h on motorways (normally 130 km/h),
➡️ 90 km/h on roads and expressways (normally 110 km/h).
Lifting of bans
• Seine-Maritime (76) – reopening of the Tancarville Bridge,
• Calvados (14) – lifting of the traffic ban for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and on the Normandy Bridge and Grand Canal viaduct,
• Manche (50) – lifting of the traffic ban,
• Vosges – traffic restored on RN66 – Col de Bussang,
• Loire (42) and Puy-de-Dôme (63) – lifting of the ban on the A89.
by Spain-France Border Open for Trucks: Biriatou Reopened, Carrier Losses Increasing
After several days of extraordinary restrictions, the authorities of the Basque Country have lifted the transit ban for trucks over 7.5 tons heading towards France. This decision is a direct consequence of information received this morning from the French side, confirming the reopening of the A63 motorway in the Bayonne area in both directions.
As a result, passage through the Biriatou toll station has been restored for all vehicle types. However, road authorities report that heavy traffic of trucks remains very high at the border, due to the accumulation of transport over the past few days.
To recap: on January 9, the Traffic Directorate of the Basque Country implemented a ban on vehicles over 7.5 tons traveling towards France. The restriction applied to all public roads within the autonomous community and was a reaction to farmers’ protests in France, which led, among other consequences, to a complete closure of the A63 near Bayonne and blockades at the Somport pass. The ban was temporary and was to be lifted following official confirmation of the restoration of normal traffic on the French side. This information was received by the Basque government this morning, allowing the immediate withdrawal of the restrictions.
The reopening of the A63 and the Biriatou crossing marks the resumption of a key transport corridor between Spain and France, through which over 20,000 trucks pass daily in both directions. These trucks carry food, raw materials, and goods essential for industry, trade, and population supply. However, several days of blockades have caused a significant accumulation of vehicles on both the Spanish and French sides. Many trucks remained immobilized without any realistic possibility to reroute or reorganize deliveries, resulting today in increased congestion at the border.
The Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport (CETM) emphasizes that the consequences of the blockades extend far beyond mere traffic disruptions. According to the organization’s estimates:
– each truck halted by a blockade generates an average cost of approximately €600 per day,
– with tens of thousands of vehicles immobilized simultaneously, losses reach millions of euros daily,
– transport companies bear these costs without any compensation mechanism.
CETM highlights that the effects are immediate and cascading: undelivered goods, slowing or halting of production, supply issues in trade, and failure to meet contractual obligations. Additionally, blockades seriously complicate driver returns, affecting rest planning and work organization. The Confederation stresses that while the right to protest is legal, it cannot lead to the paralysis of a strategic sector of the economy, such as freight transport. Each additional day without administrative intervention, CETM argues, constitutes a conscious acceptance of economic losses affecting not only transport companies but also employees, consumers, and the entire supply chain.
by Mont Blanc Tunnel Night Closures – Schedule Through August 2026
From today, night‑time traffic restrictions are in effect in the Mont Blanc Tunnel. The tunnel operator has published a forecast schedule of planned closures and alternating one‑way traffic from January through August 2026. These dates reflect maintenance and technical work and may be subject to change.
Full Night Closures of the Mont Blanc Tunnel
▪️12–13 January 2026 – 22:00 to 08:00 – Full closure
▪️9–10 February 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️19–20 February 2026 – 23:30 to 04:00 – Full closure (shorter duration)
▪️9–10 March 2026 – 19:00 to 06:00 – Full closure (earlier start)
▪️13–14 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️14–15 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️15–16 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️16–17 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️20–21 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️21–22 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️22–23 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️23–24 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️18–19 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️19–20 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️20–21 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️21–22 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️8–9 June 2026 – 19:00 to 06:00 – Full closure (earlier start)
▪️9–10 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️10–11 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️11–12 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️25–26 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️29–30 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️30 June–1 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️1–2 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️2–3 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
Alternating One‑Way Traffic
On selected nights when full closure is not scheduled, the Mont Blanc Tunnel will operate under alternating one‑way traffic (one direction at a time):
▪️13–14 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️14–15 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️15–16 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️10–11 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️11–12 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️12–13 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️10–11 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️11–12 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️12–13 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️24–25 June 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
These closures and alternating traffic periods arise from planned technical maintenance and safety work undertaken by the tunnel operator.
by Germany: Königshainer Berge Tunnel Closed in the Direction of Aachen and Dresden
Due to the final phase of the modernization of the Königshainer Berge Tunnel on the A4 motorway, the direction towards Aachen/Dresden will be completely closed from January 13 to January 16, 2026.
➡️ Closure period: 13.01.2026 (07:00) – 16.01.2026 (22:00)
➡️ Scope: all traffic, including heavy goods vehicles and passenger cars, towards Aachen/Dresden
➡️ Detour: designated between the Kodersdorf and Nieder Seifersdorf exits, according to road signage
The closure is part of the final modernization works and the dismantling of the construction site facilities. Truck drivers and international transport operators should take the disruptions into account when planning routes and use the designated detours to avoid delivery delays.
by Italy introduces extraordinary truck bans during the Olympic Games
In connection with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Italy has adopted extraordinary traffic management measures introducing significant restrictions on heavy goods transport in the province of Sondrio.
Under the adopted resolution, temporary bans on the movement of heavy vehicles will apply on selected provincial roads from 4 February to 22 February 2026.
⭕ From 00:00 to 10:00, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes that are not used for passenger transport are prohibited from circulating.
⭕ In addition, vehicles carrying dangerous goods (ADR) are subject to a traffic ban from 00:00 to 11:00.
The restrictions apply to key provincial roads considered strategic for access to the Olympic areas and particularly sensitive in terms of safety and traffic capacity. The bans apply to the following sections:
◾ SP 24 “Tirano – Stazzona” (km 3+750-4+500),
◾ SP 26 “del Campone” (km 0+000-4+550),
◾ SP 26 dir. “Sernio – Valchiosa” (km 0+000-0+850),
◾ SP 27 “to the Stelvio Pass” (km 0+000-31+980),
◾ SP 27 dir. A “S.P. 27 – Vervio” (km 0+000-0+950),
◾ SP 27 dir. B “Grosio – S.S. 38” (km 0+000-0+300), and
◾ SP 28 “delle Motte di Oga” (km 0+000–5+150).
Emergency vehicles are exempt from the bans, as are vehicles used for winter road maintenance—particularly snow removal and anti-icing operations—carried out on behalf of ANAS S.p.A., the Province of Sondrio, and the municipalities covered by the regulations.
This means that transport operators will need to adjust routes and transit schedules in the Alpine part of Lombardy during the Games, as the restrictions also affect roads previously used as alternative local connections.
by Great St. Bernard Tunnel: night-time closures and alternating traffic in 2026
The operator of the Great St. Bernard Tunnel (Sitrasb SpA) has confirmed that night-time renovation works related to the replacement of the ventilation slab will continue in 2026. The works will involve temporary closures and alternating one-way traffic and may affect route planning in international transport between Italy, Switzerland and France.
The works will be carried out exclusively at night, from 22:00 to 06:00. No works are scheduled on Friday–Saturday and Saturday–Sunday nights, in order to limit disruptions to daytime and tourist traffic. During the works, alternating one-way traffic (senso unico alternato) will be in place at the tunnel entrances, with vehicles being allowed through alternately.
⭕ A height restriction will also apply during night-time works: only vehicles with a height of up to 3.00 m will be permitted to enter the tunnel. During the daytime, transit will take place without additional restrictions.
According to the published schedule, night-time works will be carried out during the following periods:
• 11 January – 2 April 2026
• 13 April – 8 May 2026
• 19 May – 26 June 2026
During the summer and autumn months, traffic in the tunnel is expected to operate without disruptions. An exception will be 15 September 2026, when the tunnel will be completely closed in both directions from 19:30 to 01:00 due to Italian–Swiss safety exercises.
by Germany: Munich Closes Landshuter Allee Tunnel to Trucks
The Landshuter Allee Tunnel, one of the key sections of the Mittlerer Ring, will be closed to all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes from 14 January 2026. Previously, from 23 December 2025, a ban had been implemented for trucks over 7.5 tonnes and vehicles carrying hazardous goods.
The decision is due to fire safety requirements and the tunnel’s technical condition, which no longer meets current safety standards, particularly in terms of fire protection. Trucks over 3.5 tonnes are not permitted to use the Landshuter Allee Tunnel. Instead, heavy vehicle traffic has been redirected to surface streets along Landshuter Allee, between Hirschbergstraße and Volkartstraße, after which vehicles return to the Mittlerer Ring. On Hanebergstraße, transit trucks are not allowed to leave the designated detour route, whereas residents retain this right.
The City of Munich urges transport companies, carriers, and logistics operators to use alternative main routes whenever possible, as the detours may result in increased congestion and delays.
The Green Party/Rosa Liste/Volt faction in the Munich City Council has proposed that, instead of the current truck ban, the city assess the feasibility of establishing a temporary fire brigade unit within the tunnel, at the location of the existing police post on Landshuter Allee. The goal of this initiative is to evaluate whether such a rapid-response rescue unit could provide a level of fire safety sufficient to potentially allow the relaxation of the current restrictions for heavy vehicles.
by Italy blocks trucks at the Brenner Pass. New bans on the A22
Italy is introducing temporary traffic bans for trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes on the A22 Brenner motorway in the direction of Austria. The restrictions, in force from January to April 2026, are directly linked to renovation works on the Lueg Bridge on the Austrian side.
The Government Commissioner for the Province of Bolzano has issued a Decree introducing temporary traffic bans for vehicles intended for the carriage of goods with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes, travelling northbound on the A22 motorway, on the section from Vipiteno (Sterzing) to the Austrian state border (Brenner). The decision is directly related to restrictions on the Austrian side of the A13 Brenner motorway resulting from renovation works on the Lueg Bridge, as well as to the need to ensure safety and traffic flow on the Italian section of the Brenner corridor. The Bolzano Traffic Police have been authorised to introduce additional temporary operational measures if this proves necessary for road safety or public order reasons.
According to the Decree, the bans will apply:
▪️ every Saturday from 10 January to 14 March 2026, from 07:00 to 15:00,
▪️ on Friday, 10 April 2026, from 07:00 to 22:00.
Trucks that are already within the Province of Bolzano at the time the ban comes into force may be directed to designated parking areas, in particular:
– the SA.DO.BRE parking area in Vipiteno,
– other parking areas designated by Autobrennero S.p.A. and the Polizia Stradale.
The Decree provides for a broad catalogue of exemptions. The ban does not apply, among others, to:
◾ the transport of perishable goods, foodstuffs and live animals,
◾ vehicles transporting fuels, catering supplies and beverages,
◾ postal transport,
◾ rescue, medical, roadside assistance and security service vehicles,
◾ vehicles carrying out winter and routine road maintenance,
◾ waste transport,
◾ regular public passenger transport,
◾ carriage under combined road–rail transport,
◾ the transport of goods to and from airports.
by A10 Tauern: four lanes return in the Brentenberg Tunnel
ASFINAG has confirmed that from Saturday morning the Brentenberg Tunnel on the A10 Tauern motorway will once again be open with four traffic lanes. This means the restoration of two lanes in each direction, including towards Salzburg, where severe restrictions had been in place following a truck fire.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, 9 January, when a truck caught fire at the entrance to the tunnel. Immediately after the accident, ASFINAG began assessing the damage and carrying out safety measures. As confirmed after structural tests and analyses of concrete core samples, the tunnel vault is stable. Additional reinforcement will be required only in the area of the gallery preceding the tunnel, where a supporting structure will be installed, enabling the safe restoration of traffic on two lanes in each carriageway.
To enhance safety, the tunnel vault has been secured with protective netting, and further cleaning and technical works are ongoing inside the tunnel, including work on electrical installations, cabling and monitoring systems. The facility will be monitored around the clock.
ASFINAG is also analysing whether a speed limit of 80 km/h or 60 km/h will apply in the tunnel after reopening.
The A10 Tauern motorway is one of the most important Alpine transit corridors, particularly crucial for heavy goods traffic between Germany, Austria and southern Europe. Restoring full capacity ahead of increased seasonal traffic is of key importance for hauliers.
The final repair of an approximately 100-metre section of the tunnel will be carried out in parallel with the planned modernisation of the above-ground section of the A10 tunnel chain, which is scheduled to start in February. Most of the works are to be carried out at night in order to minimise traffic disruption.