VIENNA/BRATISLAVA – The Austrian government will temporarily close 23 border crossings starting Saturday, April 5, as part of emergency biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. According to Austria’s Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI), the closures include two crossings with Slovakia and 21 with Hungary.
The Slovak crossings affected are Angern-March / Záhorská Ves and Schloss Hof / Devínska Nová Ves, while the extensive list of closures with Hungary includes routes such as Deutsch Jahrndorf – Rajka and Nickelsdorf – Rajka, among others.
“These temporary closures are less resource-intensive than conducting border checks at open crossings and serve to protect public order and safety,” stated BMI.
Additionally, the Hohenau – Moravský Svätý Ján crossing will also be closed from midnight until further notice, the Trnava regional police confirmed. The closure applies to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, and is intended to prevent the spread of the disease into Austrian border districts.
Drivers are urged to follow traffic signage and instructions from law enforcement.
Alternative Routes and Traffic Advisory
Meanwhile, traffic congestion is growing at the Lanžhot (D2) – Brodské crossing on the Czech-Slovak border, where heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes—including those carrying live animals and animal byproducts—are still permitted.
Alternative entry points for such vehicles include the former Holíč (I/51) – Hodonín crossing, while the Skalica – Sudoměřice crossing remains open for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. Authorities warn that vehicle inspections, disinfection, or other restrictions may occur at all reopened or alternative routes.
“Expect delays, especially on the D2 highway, where freight traffic is already forming multi-kilometer queues,” police warned, while clarifying that passenger vehicles are not affected.
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