A9 motorway (Switzerland)

The A9 is a motorway in Switzerland, running from Vallorbe on the French border to Gamsen in the canton of Valais. It is a major east-west transit route, connecting the French Autoroute A5 to the Swiss motorway network and ultimately providing access to the Gotthard Road Tunnel and Italy.

The A9 traverses varied terrain, including the Jura Mountains and the Rhone Valley. A significant portion of the motorway runs alongside the Rhone River. It serves numerous towns and cities including Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux, Sion, and Brig.

The construction of the A9 has been undertaken in stages, with some sections completed relatively recently due to challenging geological conditions, particularly in the Valais region. These challenges have included unstable slopes, landslide risks, and complex tunnel construction. The sections between Sierre and Gamsen were among the last to be completed.

The A9 is a toll road, requiring a vignette (toll sticker) to be affixed to vehicles using the motorway network. This vignette is valid for one calendar year, and shorter-term options are not available.

The motorway is crucial for both national and international traffic, facilitating trade, tourism, and connectivity across Switzerland and its neighboring countries. Its ongoing maintenance and upgrades are a priority for the Swiss government.