Impact Level: Notification

Locations Affected: Altona, Bahrenfeld, Othmarschen, Norderelb Bridge, New Elbe Bridges, Bargteheide junction, Neumünster-Süd, Heimfeld, Hamburg-Stellingen, Hamburg, Elbe Tunnel, Germany

Tracking Id: RINTP2724239390

Description:

As per reports, the A7 motorway, including the Elbe Tunnel, will be entirely closed in the direction of Hanover due to planned construction activities. The closure will commence on Friday (13 June) at 2200 hours (local time) and continue until Monday (16 June) at 0500 hours (local time).

• The affected stretch spans from Hamburg-Stellingen to Heimfeld. During this time, roadways between the Elbe Tunnel and Heimfeld will undergo re-marking work.
• As a result of the closure, interregional traffic will be rerouted. Vehicles traveling from Neumünster-Süd will be diverted via the B205 and the A21, while traffic from the Bargteheide junction will be redirected along the A1.
• Another complete closure of the A7 is planned from 04 to 07 July, coinciding with the start of the summer holiday period in multiple German states including Lower Saxony and Bremen. This closure will impact both directions, toward Hanover and Flensburg, as part of the ongoing expansion of the motorway.

Impact:

• Commuters may experience significant traffic disruptions due to the complete closure of the A7 and Elbe Tunnel, particularly on alternate routes such as the A1 and New Elbe Bridges.
• Commercial freight operations may face delays as traffic restrictions remain in place on structurally compromised infrastructure like the Norderelb Bridge.
• Travel times for interregional and local journeys may increase, particularly during peak weekend hours, causing inconvenience to both private and public transportation users.
• Urban road networks in Hamburg and surrounding districts may experience elevated congestion levels, resulting in slower traffic flow and potential delays in local logistics and public services.

Recommendations:

• Advised to plan travel routes in advance and allocate extra travel time to accommodate diversions and congestion. Recommended to avoid peak hours over the weekend wherever possible to minimize exposure to traffic delays.
• Advised to real-time traffic information from Autobahn GmbH (https://www.autobahn.de/) and other official channels should be monitored continuously for updates and alternative route suggestions.
• Businesses reliant on road transport are advised to reschedule or reroute deliveries and pickups to avoid the closure window.
• Clients, suppliers, and delivery partners are advised to be informed in advance about the expected delays and temporary logistics adjustments.

Sources:
• https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/eimsbuettel/article409233048/a7-bei-hamburg-und-elbtunnel-sperrung-am-wochenende-wann-es-losgeht.html
• https://www.welt.de/regionales/hamburg/article256235768/staugefahr-am-wochenende-ist-der-elbtunnel-richtung-sueden-dicht.html