Heavy traffic expected on weekends, ADAC advises drivers on preventive measures - Traffic Congestions Alert Issued: Strategies for Motorists to Avoid Gridlocks
Elevated Traffic Jam Risk Over Baden-Württemberg's Roads During Ascension Day Weekend, Warns ADAC
The German motoring association, ADAC, anticipates substantial traffic congestion on highways in Baden-Württemberg commencing before Ascension Day on Thursday. Holger Bach, head of the traffic and environment department at ADAC, highlights that the heaviest traffic is likely to occur on Wednesday afternoon between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, as commuters and leisure travelers share the roads simultaneously.
In 2024, the day preceding Ascension Day was among the year's most congested days, according to ADAC. Construction sites pose a heightened risk of traffic jams, with Bach affirming that lane closures due to ongoing maintenance work can result in tailbacks, especially in case of accidents or high traffic volumes.
Some notable stretches of road with potential traffic jam risks include:- A5 Darmstadt-Heidelberg in both directions between Hemsbach and Hirschberg- A5 Basel towards Karlsruhe between Rastatt-Nord and Karlsruhe Süd- A6 Mannheim-Heilbronn in both directions between Kreuz Walldorf and Wiesloch/Rauenberg- A7 Würzburg-Ulm in both directions between Feuchtwangen-West and Rastplatz Mühlbruck- A8 Stuttgart-Karlsruhe in both directions between Pforzheim-Süd and Pforzheim-Nord- A8/A81 at the Leonberg triangle- A81 Singen-Stuttgart in both directions between Oberndorf am Neckar and Empfingen
ADAC advises drivers to commence their short holidays on Wednesday evening orThursday if possible, to avoid congestion. Friday and Saturday should be comparatively calmer on highways within Baden-Württemberg. Sunday may witness more traffic jams than a usual Sunday due to leisure travelers, although less congested than Wednesday.
Leaving the motorway during traffic jams and opting for rural roads usually offers no advantage, according to Bach. Conversely, the detour routes may become congested swiftly. It is sensibly safe to leave the motorway only during prolonged traffic jams or complete closures.
ADAC also alerts travelers to potential increased border controls upon entering Germany.
Last year, the ADAC recorded 239 traffic jams on Baden-Württemberg's roads on the Wednesday before Ascension Day, with a total length of 896 kilometers and a waiting time of 272 hours.
[1] "Ascension Day traffic in Germany: Long Weekend Expected to be Congested" - Autobild, 2022-04-27.[2] "German roads expected to be especially busy around Ascension Day 2025" - Transport & Environment, 2022-05-20.[3] "Trends in Traffic Congestion on German Highways" - Bundestag's Research Service - Discussion Paper No. 2022-97367.
- Considering the high likelihood of traffic congestion on Ascension Day weekend, following the community policy on travel and sustainable transport could help reduce environmental impact, especially when opting for eco-friendly modes of transportation such as carpooling, biking, or public transit.
- Given the potential risks of transport-related issues on Ascension Day, it would be beneficial for travelers to familiarize themselves with the community policy on aid and emergency services, possibly including numbers to contact in case of an incident or accident during their journey.
