Construction projects across the nation encounter traffic congestion during summer vacations in nine federal states, including the A5 and A8 highways.
**Heavy Traffic Ahead: Summer Holidays and Roadworks Cause Congestion in Southern Germany**
This weekend, travellers in southern Germany face heavy traffic on highways and international routes due to a combination of factors. The A7 motorway between Hamburg junctions HH-Stellingen (26) and HH-Heimfeld (32) is completely closed for the weekend, causing major detours and congestion.
Other southern corridors, including those undergoing strategic upgrades for improved logistics routes, may also see increased heavy vehicle traffic and bottlenecks. Additionally, heat damage to some autobahn sections from the hot weather in July 2025 has led to emergency repairs and lowered speed limits, contributing to slower traffic and jams.
The summer holidays in nine states, including North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, and Hesse, are also causing peak holiday traffic, particularly on southern highways. Travellers are advised to follow official diversion routes, such as via the A1 and B205 instead of the closed A7 section, and allow extra time for their journeys.
The ADAC recommends avoiding peak hours if possible and travelling mid-week. They also advise checking traffic conditions before departure on international routes, especially on the A5 between Karlsruhe and Basel, A6 from Mannheim to Nuremberg, and A8 between Karlsruhe, Munich, and Salzburg. Heavy traffic is also expected on transit routes over the Alps, especially on the Brenner motorway in Austria.
Travellers are advised to plan sufficient breaks and carry enough water when travelling abroad. Construction works on the Lueg bridge and exit closures on weekends on the Inntal motorway are ongoing on the Brenner motorway in Austria. The Pfändertunnel in Austria has ongoing repair works with occasional night closures.
The holiday season has also begun in the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Flexible travellers can reach their destination more relaxed on quieter travel days abroad. The ADAC encourages everyone to stay updated on road conditions and check traffic conditions before departure, whether travelling domestically or internationally.
For real-time updates and travel news, download the BNN News App, available for Apple devices here and for Android devices here. BNN newsletters are also available for subscription. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!
- Travelers should anticipate an increase in heavy vehicle traffic due to general-news events such as the A7 motorway upgrades and the peak travel season, which affects lifestyle choices while they travel through southern Germany.
- Although the summer holidays in various states like North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse result in higher travel volumes on southern highways, transport options like the A1 and B205 can offer alternative routes to bypass congested areas like the closed A7 section.
