by Belgium: the Bolivar Tunnel in Antwerp closed for 10 nights
The Bolivar Tunnel, which connects Leien with the A112 motorway and the Antwerp ring road (R1), is scheduled for maintenance work between the 16th and 28th February. In this period, the tunnel shaft leading out of the city will be closed between 9pm and 6am. No work will be conducted on the nights from Friday to Saturday and Saturday to Sunday.
Further closures are planned in March, in each case from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM:
• March 16: in the direction of the city centre;
• March 17: in both directions;
• March 18: in both directions;
• March 19: in both directions;
• March 20: in the direction of the city centre.
Diversion routes along normal roads (as opposed to tunnels, bridges or overpasses) will always be available during the closures.
by A nighttime closure of the A12 in both directions – a diversion via Innsbruck
As part of a major renovation of the A12 motorway in the Inn Valley, the bridge over the motorway between Hall-West and Innsbruck-East will be demolished on Saturday, March 22.
As a result, the A12 motorway will be closed in both directions from 8:00 p.m. to around 6:00 a.m. Traffic will be diverted through the city of Innsbruck.
The demolition work has been deliberately scheduled to take place during the weekend night so as to benefit from low traffic intensity, and will be carried out with the help of enough resources to ensure it can be completed overnight. The bridge over the motorway near Ampass/Peerhöfe will be rebuilt by the end of the year.
by Slovakia: a temporary closure of one section of the D3 motorway
The section of the D3 motorway in Slovakia between Zwardoń and Svrcinovec (Świerczynowiec) will be closed from March 21 to April 16. Additionally, the Poľana and Svrčinovec tunnels on the D1 motorway are also to be closed for maintenance work and in connection with a film project carried in the tunnels.
The following diversion routes are available
Traffic from the direction of Čadca towards Poland will be diverted to Český Těšín along road 1/11 via Svrcinovec Zatky (Świerczynowiec).
Traffic from Poland to Svrcinovec (Świerczynowiec) will be diverted to road C12. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will not be able to use this road, so a diversion has been designated along S52 towards Cieszyn.
In the case of the D1 tunnels, traffic in the Bratislava-Žilina will be diverted via the D3 motorway, starting from the Žilina junction. In the opposite direction, traffic will be diverted to the I/64 road from the Žilina – Solinky junction.
by Belgium: disruptions in the Liefkenshoek and Bevrijdings tunnels
Drivers travelling through Belgium must be ready for disruptions in the Liefkenshoek and Bevrijdings (A12) tunnels in Wilrijk, which are connected with maintenance and repair work.
Liefkenshoek
Maintenance work is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21.
On March 20, the tunnel will be closed in the direction of Ghent/Beveren, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
On March 21, the tunnel will be closed in the direction of the Netherlands/Stabroek, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Diversion routes
Signed diversion routes will be available during the closures.
Bevrijdings
The resurfacing of the Bevrijdings tunnel (A12) in Wilrijk will start on Monday, 24 March and will last for four nights.
the road in the direction of Brussels will be closed on the night from March 24 to 25 and from March 25 to 26, from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
the road in the direction of Antwerp: on the night from March 26 to 27 and from March 27 to 28, also from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Traffic will be diverted via Antwerpen-Zuid – Vogelzanglaan – Jan van Rijswijcklaan/Boomsesteenweg (N177).
During the closure of the tunnel road in the direction of Brussels, no diversion will be possible via Craeybeckx Tunnel owing to extensive maintenance work, which has been carried out in the tunnel since the beginning of the year, which also takes place between 9pm and 5am.
by Mont Blanc Tunnel maintenance: closures in February and March
Due to scheduled maintenance work, the Mont Blanc Tunnel, which connects Italy and France, will be completely closed on several dates in the second half of February and in March.
Complete closures:
FEBRUARY
from 10:00 PM, February 11, to 6:00 AM, February 12,
from 10:00 PM, February 12, to 6:00 AM, February 13,
from 10:00 PM, February 13, to 6:00 AM, February 14,
from 10:00 PM, February 17, to 6:00 AM, February 18,
from 10:00 PM, February 18, to 6:00 AM, February 19,
from 10:00 PM, February 19, to 6:00 AM, February 20,
from 10:00 PM, February 20, to 6:00 AM, February 21,
from 11:30 PM, February 24, to 2:00 AM, February 25,
MARCH
from 10:00 PM, March 10, to 6:00 AM, March 11,
from 10:00 PM, March 11, to 6:00 AM, March 12,
from 10:00 PM, March 12, to 6:00 AM, March 13,
from 10:00 PM, March 13, to 6:00 AM, March 14,
from 10:00 PM, March 17, to 6:00 AM, March 18,
from 10:00 PM, March 18, to 6:00 AM, March 19,
from 10:00 PM, March 19, to 6:00 AM, March 20,
from 10:00 PM, March 20, to 6:00 AM, March 21,
Alternating traffic
FEBRUARY
from10:30 PM, February 26, to 6:00 AM, February 27,
from 10:30 PM, February 27, to 6:00 AM, February 28,
MARCH
from 10:30 PM, March 24, to 6:00 AM, March 25,
from 10:30 PM, March 25, to 6:00 AM, March 26,
from 10:30 PM, March 26, to 6:00 AM, March 27,
from 10:30 PM, March 27, to 6:00 AM, March 28,
from 10:30 PM, March 31, to 6:00 AM, April 1,
There may be delays in the hour preceding the complete closure and in the hour after the tunnel reopens, owing to the passage of escorted vehicles.
by Germany: Traffic restrictions on the Norderelbe Bridge on the A1
As part of the expansion of the A1, work has begun on the new Norderelbe Bridge, which is to connect Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg with Rothenburgsort. Its construction is scheduled to be completed in 2029-2030, but in the meantime it is necessary to ensure the safety and stability of the existing bridge. For this reason, the Norderelbe Bridge will be completely closed for several days from 14 March.
Traffic restrictions on the Norderelbe Bridge
To relieve the most important elements of the bridge, including the supports and lanes, traffic organization will be changes as follows:
Existing road markings will be moved to the left in order to relieve the outermost lane, the service path and the barriers;
a 60 km/h speed limit, especially for trucks, will be imposed in order to protect the bridge structure;
an overtaking ban for trucks and an obligation to maintain a distance of 50 meters between vehicles, even in the event of traffic jams.
speed and distance will be constantly monitored.
Despite these restrictions, vehicles transporting abnormal loads can still pass across the bridge provided such journeys have been previously registrated and approved.
Changes in traffic organization on the A1 in Hamburg
Additional measures have been introduced to ensure the smooth flow of HGV traffic, including:
an overtaking ban on the A1 will be extended from the HH-Harburg junction (38) to the HH-Moorfleet junction (34) beyond the Norderelbe bridge,
The road connecting A255 RiFa Süd with the A1 RiFa Lübeck at the Norderelbe triangle will be closed to vehicles with a GVW over 7.5 tonnes which will be diverted via the HH-Harburg junction (38).
The bridge will be completely closed in both directions over the weekend:
from 10:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17,
Diversions:
Southbound traffic: from the HH-Billstedt junction (33) via the B5, B75 and A255 to the A1 (diversion U26).
northbound traffic: from the Norderelbe junction (36) via the A255, B75 and B5 to the HH-Billstedt junction (33) (diversion U85).
Diversions for drivers heading towards the B75: via the A255, B75 and B5 to the HH-Billstedt junction (33).
For drivers heading for Bremen: Exit at the HH-Südost junction (1), towards Lübeck and then diversion via the HH-Billstedt junction (33).
Further work and closures in 2025
More closures and maintenance works are planned on the Norderelbe bridge in the future, including:
25-28 April: closure of RiFa-Nord to replace temporary structures.
9-12 May: asphalt renovation on the Norderelbe Bridge.
23-26 May: closure of RiFa Süd, replacement of temporary structures.
The progress of work on the Norderelbe Bridge largely depends on the weather. If the work cannot be completed in March, an alternative weekend will be scheduled. In this case, the work will be carried out from 10 p.m. on April 11 to 5 a.m. on April 14.
by Changes on the Paris ring road, A1 and A13 – a special lane and an HGV driving ban
Since March 3, a a special lane has been added to the Paris ring road and sections of the A1 and A13 motorways. The lane is designated for vehicles with at least two people on board, for public transport and taxis ad cannot be used by vehicles with a GVW over 3.5 t transporting good.
Where and when does the new lane apply?
Since March 3, 2025, the left lane of a section of the Paris ring road and a section of the A1 and A13 motorways has been designated for public transport and mass transport vehicles. Initially, the lane is located along the section between quai d’Issy and porte de Bercy, which runs through the northern part of Paris (in both directions). In the next phase, this traffic organisation will be extended to the entire ring road. The use of the left lane on selected routes is a pilot project. The first evaluation of its effectiveness will take place in September and December 2025, and then in March 2026.
The left lane designated for public transport and mass transport is activated from Monday to Friday during the following hours (with the exception of weekends and public holidays):
7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
During these periods, the lane can only be used by:
vehicles with at least 2 people on board.
Public transport (buses, coaches and vehicles transporting children to school).
Taxis.
VTC vehicles (carrying at least one customer).
Emergency and security service vehicles, including private ambulances.
Motorcycles and scooters (when driving between lanes or with a passenger).
Vehicles of disabled people if their users have a mobility card (CMI) or a European parking card. In this case, prior registration in the Handi’Stat system is necessary to avoid a fine.
Vehicles with a GVW over 3.5 t carrying goods are NOT allowed to use this lane when this traffic organisation is in effect.
How to recognize the special lane?
The lane is marked with a square sign featuring a white rhombus. When the sign is illuminated, the lane can only be used by vehicles of public and mass transport; when the sign is off, the lane can be used by all vehicles. In addition, the lane can be temporarily closed by the police prefecture in the event of road accidents, emergency situations, days with exceptionally low traffic. Drivers will also be informed whether the special lane is in use by VMS panels placed along the road.
What are the penalties for violating the driving ban?
For the first two months (March-April 2025), i.e. the transitional period, if the system detects a vehicle with a single occupant, it will display a warning message on the VMS panels, but the driver will not be fined. Starting from May, drivers who fail to comply with the ban will face a fine of €135. Compliance will be monitored by a computer-assisted camera system that can identify vehicle type (e.g. taxi, bus), count passengers from the front and from the back of the vehicle, and recognise license plates. Camera footage will be analysed by authorised officers, who will ultimately decide whether a breach has occurred and whether a fine should be issued.
by Drivers work schedule – which one really pays off? The answer is not obvious
Every professional driver knows that the work schedule is a key aspect of everyday functioning. In addition to having an impact on the earnings, it also affects the driver’s health, family life and overall work satisfaction. Drivers’ preferences vary opinions, which is why we decided to ask them: which work schedule is the best? The results of our survey involving 273 respondents show that the answer is not straightforward.
The survey included questions concerning:
1. Preferred work schedule
2. Factors that determining the choice of a particular work schedule
3. The pros and cons of different work schedules.
The most popular work schedules
The 2/2 schedule turned out to be the most popular schedule and was chosen by as many as 108 respondents. The next most popular option is 2/1 (60 respondents), followed by 3/1 (13 respondents), 4/2 (12 respondents) and 3/2 (11 respondents).
Other schedule options included 4/1, 6/2, 8/2 and 4/2.
The survey indicates that most drivers prefer three work schedules:
2/2 schedule (2 weeks of work, 2 weeks off) – chosen by 108 respondents
While it was the most popular schedule system, it is not free from disadvantages, but more on that in a moment. The 2/2 schedule is particularly favoured by drivers with families who value the possibility of returning home regularly. It provides an ideal balance between work and private life. During two weeks off, drivers can fully regenerate, take care of their health, spend time with their loved ones and take their time (!) catching up with things that had accumulated while they were aways. In addition, this schedule reduces the risk of burnout, which is crucial from the perspective of road safety.
However, this schedule has its drawbacks. The main one are lower earnings: shorter working hours per month mean lower pay compared to other work schedules. Additionally, not every company offers this option, and if they do, it is often only available on selected routes. After a two-week break, some drivers may have difficulty returning to their work routine, which can be frustrating.
The 2/1 schedule (2 weeks of work, 1 week off): selected by 13 respondents
The 2/1 schedule is a solution that is considered to a perfect tradeoff between earnings and time spent with the family. Compared to the 2/2 schedule, it tends to be associated with higher earnings, as more days of work per month result in higher wages. Despite shorter breaks, drivers appreciate more frequent returns home. A constant work rhythm has its advantages – a week of rest is usually sufficient to regenerate. But sometimes, after two weeks of intensive driving, one (sometimes incomplete) week off may not be enough to recharge the batteries. Drivers note that in practice this system can be demanding on family life.
The 3/1 schedule (3 weeks on, 1 week off): selected by 12 respondents
This main advantage of this schedule are higher earnings: the more time spent on the road, the higher the pay, which is the most important point in favour of this solution for many drivers. Some prefer longer trips because they are less stressed about returning quickly and planning their rest. But this also comes at a price – for drivers with families, long separations can be difficult, and a week off after three weeks of work is often not enough to fully regenerate. Also, many drivers are aware of the risk of burnout.
Drivers comments
To illustrate these general results, we provide the most frequently repeated opinions, as well as those reported by individual drivers, as well as important issues related to structural problems in the transport industry.
Most frequently repeated answers:
”More often at home for longer” – many drivers emphasized that regular and longer stays at home enable them to rest and spend time with their families.
”The right work-life balance” – drivers pointed out that particular schedules (e.g. 2/1) give them a chance to rest and function normally off the road.
”Less fatigue”
”Better quality of life”
Answers that appeared only once:
”Driving only at night – fewer traffic jams and less stress on the route”
”Only short routes because I don’t want to sleep in the cabin”
”I don’t have a family, so I prefer longer routes and higher earnings”
”The longer I’m on the road, the better, because I don’t like sitting at home”
”Flexible hours, no rigid schedule”
Drivers problems
Lack of suitable parking spaces: the lack of safe and well-equipped parking lots is a big problem, especially for drivers on international routes.
Pressure to break the rules: despite increasingly stringent regulations, drivers still feel the pressure to exceed working time standards.
The impact of work on private life: long trips and an irregular lifestyle often lead to family problems and even divorce.
So which schedule is the best?
There is no ideal work schedule – it all depends on your priorities. The 2/2 schedule is preferred for its optimum work-life balance – drivers emphasize that the even split between time spent at work and free time results in better professional efficiency and stronger family ties. The 2/1 schedule, while offering less time to regenerate, is associated with higher wages, which makes it an attractive choice for those who want to earn more without sacrificing their leisure time too much. For many drivers, however, the most valuable and desirable solution is the possibility of returning home every day, which guarantees stability.
As already noted, each of the most popular schedules has its drawbacks. Less balanced schedules, such as 3/1 or 4/1, despite higher wages, mean long-term separation from the damily, fatigue and mental strain. The possibility of daily returns, while ensuring stability, is associated with lower wages compared to what drivers can earn on international routes. Additionally, some drivers indicate that the 2/2 schedule – despite its undeniable advantages – may be less attractive financially compared to the 2/1 model.
The survey clearly shows that drivers are no longer satisfied only with high wages and that mental comfort and time to rest are also important. Employers who understand this can better tailor their work conditions to their needs. The results of the study provide valuable inisghts for transport companies and for drivers, who want to choose the schedule that best works for them.
More job offers than applicants – the job market in 2024
In 2024, the job market for drivers was full of opportunities, but also challenges. Our website section dedicated to employment opportunities job etransport.pl , featured 3,026 ads from drivers looking for work, while employers posted as many as 7,380 offers for drivers. In other words, the demand for drivers continued to exceeds the number of available applicants. In addition, we posted 8,609 ads for positions of dispatchers, freight forwarders or carriers, which shows that the transport industry is developing in various directions. 292 of all offers were sponsored ads (ads for drivers and offers of cooperation for carriers).
All these numbers reflect an continuing demand for drivers and the dynamically changing market that tries to respond to various needs. A flexible approach to organizing working time not only improves drivers’ quality of life, but can also bring benefits to transport companies by helping them maintain the loyalty and satisfaction of their employees.
by Belgium: renovation of the Liefkenshoek Tunnel
Drivers travelling through Belgium must prepare for disruptions in the Liefkenshoek Tunnel related to regular maintenance and renovation work.
As a result, only one lane will be available in each direction. In addition, vehicles wider than 3.5 metres will be prohibited from entering the tunnel. The work will be carried out on the following dates:
7 February (9:00 p.m.) – 10 February (5:00 a.m.)
21 February (9:00 PM) – 24 February (5:00 AM)
28 February (9:00 PM) – 3 March (5:00 AM)
Regular tunnel maintenance will be carried out according to the following schedule:
On Thursdays, the tunnel shaft towards Beveren will be closed.
On Fridays, the shaft towards Stabroek will be closed.
Each tunnel closure is in effect from 9 PM until 5 AM the following morning. Drivers should familiarize themselves with the diversion routes in advance and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
by From midnight, a strike in Calais and a complete halt of operations at the port.
Trade unions at the French port of Calais have announced a “dead port” day for Thursday, 27 February. The protest, organized by the CGT union, is set to completely paralyze both freight and passenger traffic between 00:00 and 18:00. The strike is a response to the lack of agreement with the government regarding pension reform for port workers.
According to French media, during the protest, no vessels carrying passengers, private vehicles, buses, or goods will operate. For drivers, this means significant disruptions and the need to seek alternative routes. Union representatives emphasize that their goal is not to paralyze transportation but to fight for better working conditions for port workers, who perform physically demanding work every day.
The CGT is advocating for extending the early retirement option from four to five years before the statutory retirement age. Another demand is the recognition of asbestos exposure as grounds for early retirement. The Calais port employs 550 people, and indications suggest that the situation will not be resolved quickly.
If the government does not engage in negotiations, the unions plan further protests in March, including overtime work stoppages and four-hour work breaks on 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 24, 26, and 28 March. Particularly disruptive could be the planned 72-hour strike on 18, 19, and 20 March, which will include a complete halt of port operations on 18 March.
Réforme des retraites : la CGT ports et docks annonce une intense série de grèves en mars.
Parfait elle aura réssi à tuer nos ports en 40 ans.Source : Le marin
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