Gridlocked on the Highway: Delays on the Post-Journey Commute
Heavy Traffic and Travel Disruptions Expected Across Europe This Weekend
Travelers planning trips within Germany and across Europe this weekend should be prepared for heavy traffic and potential disruptions, especially due to the end of the summer holiday period.
Road Congestion
Flexible travelers are advised to consider quieter alternative routes or traveling on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) to avoid traffic jams. The highways in Austria, such as the Fernpass, Brenner, Karawanken, Pyhrn, Rheintal, Tauern routes, and the Gotthard motorway in Switzerland are expected to experience high traffic congestion.
Next weekend (August 8-10), the highways are predicted to become "temporary parking lots," according to ADAC forecast. Longer waiting times and traffic jams, especially after Friday afternoon, are expected on the Gotthard route (A 2) in Switzerland. Even on the Reschen Pass (B 180), delays and time-specific closures are still to be expected.
The ACE recommends the San Bernardino - Chur - Bellinzona (A 13) route as an alternative when waiting times are predicted to be over an hour, but this route is also expected to be busier in such cases.
Rail Disruptions
Rail and transit delays and disruptions have been reported on key networks, including the Eurostar service, which is experiencing cancellations and delays through mid-August due to operational restrictions. On August 7, delays were noted on the German and Dutch rail networks as well.
Due to these disruptions, travelers are advised to check for alternative routes or non-Eurostar trains, or consider using regional trains or buses in Germany.
Localized Traffic Rerouting
Within Germany, localized traffic rerouting is in effect around the Katterbach-Bismarck area due to construction, which may further influence traffic flow.
Alternative Travel Options
Given these expected congestions and disruptions, travelers should consider alternative travel options. For road travel, using GPS navigation apps with real-time traffic updates to avoid construction zones and heavy traffic is advisable. Cycling or local transit might be good substitutes for short-distance travel in some areas, especially where road closures such as near military installations exist.
Border Controls
Entry controls have been tightened at all German borders since early May, but waiting times can occur, especially at the crossings from Austria to Germany at Suben (A 3), Walserberg (A 8), and Kiefersfelden (A 93).
Driving Bans
Driving bans for transit traffic are in effect on the Inntal motorway A 12 and the Fernpass route, particularly on weekends and holidays until early November.
In summary, travelers should expect generally heavy travel and some disruptions on rail and road networks across Germany and parts of Europe this weekend. It is advisable to plan ahead, check for the latest updates from transport providers, and consider flexible or alternative travel routes.
- Due to heavy traffic and potential disruptions, flexible travelers might choose quieter alternative road routes, such as the San Bernardino - Chur - Bellinzona (A 13) route during predicted over-an-hour waiting times on other highways.
- In the event of rail and transit delays or disruptions on key networks, like Eurostar, travelers can check for alternative routes or opt for regional trains or buses to reach their destinations.
- Travelers visiting Germany should be aware of localized traffic rerouting around the Katterbach-Bismarck area due to construction and tightened border controls at crossings from Austria to Germany, especially at Suben (A 3), Walserberg (A 8), and Kiefersfelden (A 93).
