by Four weekends of disruption on Germany’s A7. A key route will be closed
A key transport route in Germany will be temporarily closed to traffic. Planned closures of the A7 motorway in Hamburg will take place over four weekends, forcing detours for heavy goods transport and transit traffic.
In the first half of the year, four full weekend closures of the A7 motorway are scheduled in connection with the construction of a noise protection tunnel in the Altona district and road infrastructure works. The closures will affect a key section between the Hamburg-Stellingen (26) and Hamburg-Heimfeld (32) interchanges.
A7 closure schedule – first half of 2026
According to the road infrastructure operator, the Autobahn A7 will be completely closed on the following dates:
• March 20–23, 2026
• April 17–20, 2026
• May 8–11, 2026
• June 12–15, 2026
Each closure will last approximately 55 hours, from Friday evening to early Monday morning. During this time, traffic on the affected section will be halted in both directions, and entry ramps will be closed in stages before the full closure begins.
❌ Transit traffic will be diverted via the Autobahn A1, Autobahn A21 and the federal road B205.
This route allows drivers to bypass Hamburg and rejoin the A7 in the Schleswig-Holstein region. The closures are part of a major A7 modernization project in Hamburg, including the construction of a noise protection tunnel in the Altona district. The project предусматривает expansion of the motorway to eight lanes, construction of a tunnel structure to reduce noise for residents, and modernization of road infrastructure and safety systems.
The A7 motorway is one of the most important transport corridors in Europe, connecting southern Germany with the north of the country, Denmark and Scandinavian countries. Therefore, any closure in the Hamburg area—especially near Elbe crossings—may cause significant disruptions to heavy goods traffic and increase travel times on international routes.
by Antwerp: tunnel closed to traffic. Route changes for trucks
A key route in the Port of Antwerp will be closed. On Saturday, March 21, the Tijsmans Tunnel will be impassable for 15 hours, forcing changes to routes for trucks and dangerous goods transport.
According to road authorities, the tunnel will be closed on Saturday, March 21, from 06:30 to 21:30. The reason is urgent repair work on several expansion joints in the tunnel wall, which requires a complete closure in both directions. Local traffic and ADR transport between Ghent and the Netherlands in both directions will be diverted via the A12 motorway, the Zandvliet junction [11], and the Scheldelaan road (N101).
❌ Transit traffic will be diverted via the Antwerp ring road (R1) and the Kennedy Tunnel.
The Frans Tijsmanstunnel is located on the R2 route, the northern part of Antwerp’s ring road. The tunnel runs under the Kanaaldok dock within the port area and is located near the Liefkenshoek Tunnel. Unlike the Liefkenshoek Tunnel, the Tijsmans Tunnel is toll-free.
The structure is 820 meters long, and the maximum permitted vehicle height is 4 meters. The tunnel has ADR category A, meaning that under normal conditions it is open to vehicles transporting dangerous goods.
by Catalonia blocked. Demonstrations cut off key routes
Drivers in Catalonia must expect serious disruptions. On Wednesday morning, March 18, protests led to road blockages, including on the A-2 and C-55, which may cause delays.
Drivers carrying out transport operations through Spain should be prepared for major disruptions in Catalonia. On Wednesday, March 18, protests have been taking place since the early morning hours, resulting in blockages of key roads in the region. According to information from local media and services, demonstrations are concentrated in central Catalonia and the Lleida area. Protesters are blocking roads, causing a complete halt or significant restriction of traffic. The protests are related to a teachers’ strike and include road blockades as a form of pressure.
Disruptions have been reported on the A-2 motorway, including sections between Lleida and Alpicat, as well as in the Soses and Alcarràs areas towards Lleida. In some places, access to the AP-2 motorway has also been cut off. Problems are also occurring on the C-55 (including in the Solsona and Clariana de Cardener areas), as well as on the C-25 towards Manresa. Additional disruptions have also appeared on local and regional roads, including the N-260 in the Seu d’Urgell area and the C-59 near Moià. The situation is dynamic, and the list of blocked sections may change throughout the day.
by Mont Blanc Tunnel Night Closures – Schedule Through August 2026
From today, night‑time traffic restrictions are in effect in the Mont Blanc Tunnel. The tunnel operator has published a forecast schedule of planned closures and alternating one‑way traffic from January through August 2026. These dates reflect maintenance and technical work and may be subject to change.
Full Night Closures of the Mont Blanc Tunnel
▪️12–13 January 2026 – 22:00 to 08:00 – Full closure
▪️9–10 February 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️19–20 February 2026 – 23:30 to 04:00 – Full closure (shorter duration)
▪️9–10 March 2026 – 19:00 to 06:00 – Full closure (earlier start)
▪️13–14 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️14–15 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️15–16 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️16–17 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️20–21 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️21–22 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️22–23 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️23–24 April 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️18–19 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️19–20 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️20–21 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️21–22 May 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Series of night closures
▪️8–9 June 2026 – 19:00 to 06:00 – Full closure (earlier start)
▪️9–10 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️10–11 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️11–12 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️25–26 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️29–30 June 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️30 June–1 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️1–2 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
▪️2–3 July 2026 – 22:00 to 06:00 – Full closure
Alternating One‑Way Traffic
On selected nights when full closure is not scheduled, the Mont Blanc Tunnel will operate under alternating one‑way traffic (one direction at a time):
▪️13–14 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️14–15 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️15–16 January 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️10–11 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️11–12 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️12–13 February 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️10–11 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️11–12 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️12–13 March 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
▪️24–25 June 2026 – 22:30 to 06:00 – Alternating traffic
These closures and alternating traffic periods arise from planned technical maintenance and safety work undertaken by the tunnel operator.
by First Border Crossings Unblocked. Situation in the Balkans is Changing
After several days of truckers’ protests in the Balkans, the first signs of improvement have emerged. In North Macedonia, border crossings for freight transport have begun to be reopened, which may signal a gradual return of traffic on some international routes.
On Thursday, 29 January, in the evening hours, Macedonian transport associations announced the end of the blockades at some border crossings designated for freight transport. The decision was made following the European Commission’s announcement of a new visa strategy, which, according to the announcement, is intended to address the issues faced by professional drivers in the context of the 90/180-day rule in the Schengen area. After nearly four days of deadlock, a gradual normalization of freight traffic at North Macedonian border crossings is expected, including, among others: Deve Bair, Delčevo, Novo Selo, Dojran, Bogorodica, Medžitlija, Qafasan, Blace, Blato, and Stoenje – both for entry into and exit from the country.
At the same time, it should be emphasized that this information relates exclusively to the Macedonian side. The situation at other borders in the Western Balkans region, particularly in Serbia and at the borders with the Schengen area, remains unchanged and continues to cause significant disruptions for international transport.
List of Border Crossings Closed for Freight Traffic (as of 30 January)
⭕ Serbia – borders under blockade
⛔ Serbia – Hungary
– Horgoš – Röszke
– Kelebia – Kelebia
– Breg – Hercegszántó
⛔ Serbia – Croatia
– Batrovci – Bajakovo
– Šid – Tovarnik
– Bačka Palanka – Ilok
– Bezdan – Batina
⛔ Serbia – Romania
– Vršac – Moravița
– Đerdap (Iron Gates)
⛔ Serbia – Bulgaria
– Gradina – Kalotina
– Strezimirovci – Strezimirovtsi
– Vrška Čuka – Vrška Chuka
⛔ Serbia – North Macedonia
– Preševo – Tabanovce
⭕ Hungary – effects on the Schengen side
Closures or lack of freight clearance towards Serbia:
– Röszke
– Tompa
– Hercegszántó
✅⭕ North Macedonia – situation after the end of the protest
Freight traffic being restored/normalized:
– Deve Bair (border with Bulgaria)
– Delčevo (border with Bulgaria)
– Novo Selo (border with Bulgaria)
– Dojran / Star Dojran – Doirani (border with Greece)
– Bogorodica – Evzoni (border with Greece)
– Medžitlija – Niki (border with Greece)
– Qafasan (border with Albania)
– Blace (border with Kosovo)
– Blato (border with Albania)
– Stoenje (border with Albania)
ℹ️ The normalization of traffic is gradual – queues and limited capacity are possible.
by Düsseldorf: Theodor-Heuss Bridge closed to heavy vehicles from February 1
From today (February 1, 2026), a full traffic ban applies on the Theodor-Heuss Bridge in Düsseldorf for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes. This is another major crossing over the Rhine to face restrictions, following the earlier limitations introduced on the Josef-Kardinal-Frings Bridge.
The ban affects trucks, buses and other heavy commercial vehicles, with direct consequences for transit logistics and regional transport.
For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, Düsseldorf authorities have designated official diversion routes:
Vehicles approaching from the west (NRW / left bank of the Rhine):
• from the Autobahnkreuz Kaarst interchange via the Autobahn-Viereck (A52 / A57 / A46),
• alternatively, within the city via the Rheinknie Bridge.
Vehicles approaching from the east:
• diversion via B8 – Danziger Straße using the A44,
• or via B1 (Kennedydamm / Rheinufertunnel) with crossing over the Rheinknie Bridge.
The city is informing drivers about the ban and diversion routes through road signage and variable message signs (VMS) placed along major traffic corridors.
Düsseldorf authorities introduced the restriction for structural safety reasons. The Theodor-Heuss Bridge, built in 1957, requires comprehensive protection against further degradation. Previous traffic loads — including regular crossings by vehicles weighing over 30 tonnes — have significantly accelerated wear on its load-bearing structures.
by Cancelled sailings to Sweden – Unity Line switches to truck check-in without reservations
Unity Line has announced further cancellations of scheduled ferry sailings between Świnoujście and ports in Sweden (Trelleborg, Ystad) due to difficult weather conditions.
❌ Cancellations still scheduled for today, 3 February
According to the shipowner’s announcement, the following sailings have been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions:
19:20 – m/f Galileusz from Ystad
20:30 – m/f Jantar Unity from Świnoujście
In addition, for technical reasons, the following sailing of m/f Epsilon has been cancelled:
24:00 – from Trelleborg
❌ Planned cancellations on 4 February
01:30 – m/f Copernicus from Świnoujście
10:15 – m/f Jantar Unity from Trelleborg
15:00 – m/f Copernicus from Trelleborg
Due to storm conditions and the accumulation of heavy goods vehicles awaiting loading, Unity Line has decided to suspend the cargo reservation system in Poland until further notice. Trucks are being checked in according to the order of arrival at the terminal, and drivers should report directly to the Ferry Office.
✔️ All vehicles with confirmed reservations for cancelled sailings will be transported on other vessels within the Unity Line network, subject to weather conditions and available capacity.
✔️ The shipowner reserves the right to introduce further schedule changes and cancellations, which will be communicated in separate announcements.
✔️ Carriers and drivers should contact Unity Line offices at the terminals directly for the latest information on crossings and available transport options.
by Bonn-Nord Bridge closed to heavy goods vehicles from 9 February
From 9 February 2026, hauliers travelling through Bonn will have to take into account significant changes to traffic organisation. The Bonn-Nord Bridge on the A565 motorway will be closed to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 7.5 tonnes, resulting in detours and longer journey times in one of the most heavily congested areas of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The decision was confirmed on 19 January during a joint traffic management meeting attended, among others, by representatives of the City of Bonn, the Rhein-Sieg district and the Cologne regional authorities. On 9 February, appropriate road signage will be installed in the vicinity of the bridge. In addition, the newly introduced ban will be announced via digital traffic information boards (dWiSta) located on motorways over a wide radius around Bonn. The restriction will apply to all vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 7.5 tonnes. Exemptions apply to emergency services vehicles, the fire brigade, infrastructure maintenance services, civil defence units and civil protection services. All other heavy vehicles will be required to use the designated diversion routes.
The authorities have agreed on a temporary exemption for school buses. Traffic by these vehicles will be permitted until the end of the 2025/2026 school year. The decision was justified by the small number of daily journeys and the clearly defined duration of the exemption.
The Bonn-Nord Bridge was opened to traffic in 1967. The structure has two lanes in each direction as well as turning lanes. More than 100,000 vehicles cross it every day, around 5% of which are heavy goods vehicles. As infrastructure operators emphasise, the bridge was designed for significantly lower loads, and its age and technical condition mean that it no longer meets the requirements of modern and future traffic, particularly with regard to heavy transport. Hauliers operating routes through North Rhine-Westphalia should take these changes into account when planning their routes already at the beginning of February.
by RN20 France–Andorra closed for weeks
The main route linking France with Andorra, RN20, is impassable on the Ax-les-Thermes – Mérens-les-Vals section following a serious rockslide on 31 January.
Approximately 100 m³ of rock fell onto the road from a height of around 250 m, destroying about 100 metres of carriageway. Due to the risk of further rockfalls, the poor condition of the road and unfavourable weather conditions, the Prefecture of the Ariège department has officially extended the closure “until further notice and most likely for several weeks”.
RN20 is the main access road from France to Andorra and is regularly used by heavy goods vehicles carrying out destination traffic (deliveries, loading/unloading).
The current closure of RN20 means that heavy goods vehicles are unable to pass in either direction. The designated diversion route is not accessible to trucks. As a result, road deliveries to Andorra are severely disrupted or impossible.
Transport operations must therefore be:
– postponed,
– reoranised (rail transport combined with local distribution),
– or rerouted via Spain (longer and more costly).
by Fréjus Tunnel: Night Closures February 9–28, Delays Up to 45 Minutes
Drivers traveling between France and Italy should expect nighttime traffic stoppages in the Fréjus Tunnel. A series of short closures related to maintenance work is scheduled for February. In most cases, traffic will be halted for 30–45 minutes, mainly during nighttime hours.
The planned closures in February are for nighttime, short-term traffic interruptions in the France-to-Italy direction. The pauses in traffic will allow technical work to be carried out, such as the installation and removal of signage and infrastructure maintenance, while maintaining full safety standards.
Scheduled closures:
• February 9–14 – night pauses from 22:30 to 23:15, and on selected days also from 04:30 to 05:15
• February 16–21 – closures at the same nighttime hours
• February 23–28 – closures at the same nighttime hours
In most cases, traffic stoppages will not exceed 30–45 minutes. While they may cause minor delays for nighttime transport, their impact on overall traffic flow is expected to be minimal.