Tunnel/Pass

[AndyPalmer_5041772]

In another post i read about delays through St Gotthard tunnel? Why? is it volume of traffic or do they only let caravans through at intervals cos of fire risk/LPG etc?

If cos of traffic, would it be better to travel through it at night?

Is Brenner pass ok for caravans(7.5m twin axle)? How steep is it? and how much does it add to journey/take to cross it?

Thanks Andy Palmer.

 

[BarryB_5039906]

The Brenner motorway pass is one of the easiest with a caravan in tow in terms of the road width and condition. We have used it several times with twin axles and intend to use it this summer with a new 'van of 8.13m length. We have encountered road works which slow progress and narrows the lanes. There are some twists and one particularly long one which requires a reduction in speed. As for steepness, well it does cross the Alps, but it is a motorway designed to keep traffic flowing. Perhaps the longest steep section is from Innsbruck, but I very much doubt if you will drop below third gear on any section.

How much the Brenner adds to your journey depends upon your destination. If you are heading for Venice / Garda then it is very little, possibly 40 miles extra from Calais, and spread over the 2 or 3 days you will take this makes no difference. The cost for the Brenner / Europabruck bridge I think is about

 

[Lutz]

The maximum gradient on the Brenner toll road is 6%. The toll-free Brenner Pass that runs alongside is closed to caravans.

 

[Richard_5041394]

Hi Andy;

It's just volume of traffic that can slow this route down, thats all. I've used it a couple of times and never actually had a long delay (this was September), the traffic just moves slowly if it gets very busy. Southbound seems to be marginally worse for some reason. There aren't any restrictions applying specifically to caravans. The rest of the motorway route is very good for towing. I don't have any expereience of the Brenner pass. I have however used the (rebuilt) Mont Blanc tunnel - this is a much quieter route with very light traffic in the tunnel with access control. Its wide and brightly lit, a lot more pleasant than the rather smelly and gloomy St Gotthard! I've also towed the Grand St Bernard pass/tunnel, not bad but much more single carriageway road which means you will travel at a significantly slower pace. I tow a large twin-axle and all these routes are OK for this. None have particularly steep gradients either. Best advice is plan to hit the busy spots at a less busy time if at all possible. I'm afraid traffic problems aren't restricted to just us and the M25..!! Just remember the journey is part of your holiday, the scenery will definitely be better than the M25 (!) and don't commit to an unrealistic journey on any given day. Thre are always loads of sites to drop into for an overnight to break the journey if things slow up, keep your sites book to hand and you might just stay a bit longer than a night! Relax and enjoy it, wherever you find yourself. Richard.

 

[AndyPalmer_5041772]

Many thanks to all who have responded, don't know which I'll take yet but neither holds any fears now!

Andy