Anticipated gridlock on major road networks - Anticipated Challenges with Smooth Road Flow and Minimizing Delays on Highways
Heavier-than-usual Traffic to Plague Berlin and Brandenburg Highways This Weekend
Germany's Ascension Day holiday on May 29 is expected to bring congested road conditions to the highways in and around Berlin and Brandenburg. The long weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in the country, offers many an opportunity for short trips and visiting loved ones, but this increased activity on the roads comes with a price.
The Autobahn GmbH Nordost has issued a warning of elevated traffic levels, with today and Sunday expected to see particularly heavy congestion. This congestion is expected to be exacerbated by ongoing construction projects, notably on the A10 between Phoēben and Leest near Werder an der Havel, the Dreieck Potsdam interchange, and the section between Erkner and Berlin-Hellersdorf. Additionally, the section between Calau and Großrašen on the A13 is identified as a potential congestion point.
Preparing for this weekend's high traffic volumes is essential for motorists, as the highways surrounding Berlin and Brandenburg are known congestion hotspots, especially during public holiday weekends. Travelers can expect heavy traffic on major routes such as the A10 (Berliner Ring), A9, A11, A12, and A13.
Peak travel times include outbound traffic on late afternoon/evening on May 28 and inbound traffic on the following Sunday or Monday, as holiday-goers return from their trips. Notable points of congestion include sections of the Berlin Ring, as well as major outbound and inbound routes such as the Berlin-Rostock (A19/A24), Berlin-Dresden (A13), and Berlin-Hamburg (A24).
Travelers are advised to consider alternative modes of transportation, such as regional trains (RE, RB) or S-Bahn, and to use apps and websites providing real-time traffic updates. Planning ahead by checking traffic reports and considering departing very early or very late to avoid peak times is recommended. Staying informed using navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, or official ADAC/Verkehrsinformationszentrale Berlin services can help minimize travel disruptions.
Quick Facts:
- Ascension Day (May 29, 2025) is recognized as a public holiday in Germany, often leading to increased traffic volumes on highways.
- Truck driving bans are in effect on public holidays, although this may lead to increased car traffic.
Potential Congestion Points:
| Highways | Directions/Routes | Congestion Times ||-------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------|| A10 (Berliner Ring)| Around Berlin | Both directions, all weekend || A9 | Berlin–Leipzig/Munich | Outbound: late May 28, inbound: late Sun/Mon || A11 | Berlin–Szczecin | Outbound: late May 28 || A12 | Berlin–Frankfurt (Oder) | Both directions || A13 | Berlin–Dresden | Both directions || A19/A24 | Berlin–Rostock/Hamburg | Outbound: late May 28, inbound: late Sun/Mon |
Vocational training can be crucial for smoother road conditions during holidays, as properly trained drivers might better handle the increased traffic that occurs during weekends like the upcoming Ascension Day. Lifestyle choices, such as commuting or vocational travel, may be impacted by the heavy congestion on highways like the A10, A9, A11, A12, and A13 around Berlin and Brandenburg. Therefore, considering alternative modes of transportation, like regional trains or S-Bahn, and utilizing real-time traffic updates may be essential for maintaining a stress-free lifestyle during this congested weekend.
