by Germany: Complete closure of the A8 towards Munich. Detours for trucks
The A8 motorway will be completely closed in the direction of Munich between Mühlhausen and Merklingen. The closure will last from Friday, October 31 at 9:00 p.m. until Monday, November 3 at 5:00 a.m.
Traffic towards Stuttgart (Albabstieg) will not be restricted. On the nine-kilometre section known as Albaufstieg, maintenance and safety works will be carried out – including resurfacing, bridge repairs, and replacement of guardrails. According to Autobahn GmbH, this is the final stage of works aimed at preparing the A8 for winter conditions.
To avoid congestion and excessive pressure on local roads, the motorway authority urges drivers not to rely on GPS navigation and to follow the official diversion routes.
➡️ Transit traffic: from the Weinsberg interchange – via motorways A6 and A7 → then to A8 towards Munich or A7 towards Füssen.
➡️ Regional traffic: from the Wendlingen interchange via B313 and B10 to the Ulm-West interchange (access to A8 towards Munich).
➡️ Local traffic: from the Mühlhausen interchange via B466 and B10 (detour U29) to Ulm-West or L1230 towards Merklingen.
The A8 motorway is a key west-east connection in southern Germany. The route links Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, and Munich with Salzburg and is one of the country’s busiest roads – especially during public holidays and vacation periods.
by Antwerp: Major Traffic Disruptions for Trucks in November
Drivers planning routes through northern Belgium should expect significant disruptions in the Antwerp area. Construction work on new traffic interchanges will begin on the R1 motorway, resulting in traffic restrictions.
Due to the construction of these new interchanges, temporary traffic disruptions will be introduced on the R1 motorway in both directions on the following dates:
➡ 27–31 October
➡ 7–12 November
Recommended detours and alternative routes
Drivers travelling between Hasselt and Ghent are advised to take a detour via Brussels on the specified dates. Vehicles coming from the A12 (north) and E19 (north) towards Ghent should use the R2 motorway and the Liefkenshoek Tunnel.
Good news for drivers: during the period of major disruptions, the Liefkenshoek Tunnel will be toll-free in both directions on the following days and times:
➡ 8 and 9 November (Saturday and Sunday) from 8:00 to 20:00,
➡ 10 November (Monday) from 6:00 to 22:00,
➡ 11 November (Tuesday) from 8:00 to 20:00.
Antwerp R1: Major disruptions from 7 to 12 November
From Friday, 7 November, 22:00, until Wednesday, 12 November, 05:00, drivers should expect heavy congestion and reduced capacity on the Antwerp Ring Road (R1) between Merksem and Deurne. On the Deurne–Borgerhout section towards Ghent and Brussels, only two lanes will remain open.
The following closures will be in effect:
◾ On-ramp from Deurne to the Ring Road towards Ghent and Brussels,
◾ E313–R1 junction towards Ghent and Brussels,
◾ R1 connection from the Netherlands to the E313,
◾ On- and off-ramps in Berchem and Merksem,
◾ Groenendaallaan towards Merksem,
◾ Mechelsebrug towards the city centre.
by Slovak Carriers Renew Fight to Lift Truck Overtaking Ban
The association ČESMAD Slovakia has submitted to parliament a draft amendment to the Road Traffic Act, addressing the rules for overtaking by trucks over 7.5 tonnes on motorways. The aim of the proposal is to introduce clear and safe regulations defining when truck drivers may legally perform an overtaking maneuver.
The initiative has been championed for several years by the Union of Road Hauliers of Slovakia (UNAS), which already in 2023 called for the abolition of the total overtaking ban imposed by the government of Igor Matovič. According to UNAS, the current regulations are impractical and harmful — both to traffic flow and to safety on Slovak motorways.
Under the proposal prepared jointly by UNAS and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic, overtaking would be permitted only during specific hours or on sections of road marked with appropriate traffic signs.
UNAS recalls that the first version of the bill was submitted to parliament back in 2023, but was rejected by a single vote. The decisive votes came from MP and current Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas party) and several parliamentarians from the Sme rodina party, which was then part of the governing coalition.
Now, ČESMAD Slovakia has once again submitted the amendment, emphasizing — as UNAS points out — the need to align Slovak legislation with the practices in other EU member states. In most European countries, trucks are allowed to overtake under clearly defined conditions, ensuring a balance between safety and traffic fluidity.
The organization also stresses that the Slovak transport sector is increasingly burdened by political decisions, including rising taxes, additional transaction fees, and an inefficient toll collection system. UNAS urges lawmakers to take into account both road safety and the real economic impact on carriers when drafting new transport regulations.
by Austria: temporary closure of the Katschberg Tunnel on the A10 Tauern Motorway. No detour for trucks.
On Saturday, 11 October 2025, the Katschberg Tunnel on the A10 Tauern Motorway will be temporarily closed from 18:00 to 00:00 due to rescue drills involving ASFINAG, local authorities, emergency services, the fire brigade, and the police.
Passenger vehicles will be diverted between the Rennweg and St. Michael im Lungau junctions onto the B99 Katschberg federal road. Trucks will not be able to use the detour and must wait until the tunnel reopens before continuing their journey.
The exercise scenario includes a coach accident with injured passengers and subsequent collisions inside the tunnel. The main focus is on rescuing people, ensuring efficient communication procedures, and familiarity with the site. Such drills are mandatory and are regularly conducted in all tunnels managed by ASFINAG.
by Czech Republic: Complete Closure of D8 Motorway from October 2
Between October 2 and 8, 2025, drivers can expect significant disruptions on the D8 motorway in the Czech Republic. The third and final phase of renovation works and modernization of technological systems in the Panenská and Libouchec tunnels will begin.
As a result, the section of the motorway between the 80th and 87th kilometer will be closed in both directions. Detour routes will be identical to those used in previous phases. The police report that additional patrols will be deployed on local roads to ensure traffic flow and safety.
❌ Detour from Germany (to the Czech Republic)
▪ Exit D8 at the 87th kilometer
▪ Route 248 through Petrovice
▪ Turn onto Route 528 towards Libouchec
▪ Proceed along section of Route I/13
▪ Rejoin D8 at the 80th kilometer
❌ Detour from the Czech Republic (to Germany)
▪ Exit D8 at the 80th kilometer
▪ Proceed along Route I/13 towards Varvažov
▪ Turn onto Route 248 towards Petrovice
▪ Rejoin D8 at the 87th kilometer
At four key intersections, road police patrols will be present, additionally supported by a mobile unit. Their tasks will include: supervising compliance with temporary traffic signs, directing traffic in case of congestion, ensuring safety on the detour routes. Additionally, to improve traffic flow:
◾ Information boards have been installed at the Petrovice intersection for vehicles coming from Germany
◾ On two critical uphill sections towards Petrovice, the road surface has been roughened to minimize the risk of wheel slippage for heavy vehicles and the formation of traffic jams
The police urge truck and car drivers to follow the regulations and traffic signs. Wherever possible, it is recommended to choose alternative border crossings on the Czech–Germany route, as traffic congestion may occur on the detour routes.
by Traffic Disruptions and Detours on A4 Zgorzelec–Dresden. Tunnel Closed on Wednesday, October 1
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, drivers will face major disruptions on the A4 motorway in Saxony.
Autobahn GmbH des Bundes (Eastern Branch) has announced a complete closure of the Königshainer Berge tunnel in both directions – toward Dresden and Görlitz – due to essential maintenance work. The closure will apply to both lanes in the currently operational section with two-way traffic. It will be in effect from 07:00 until approximately 16:00.
During the closure, marked detours will be in place – from the Nieder Seifersdorf interchange (92) to the Kodersdorf interchange (93) and in the opposite direction. The Königshainer Berge tunnel is an important point along the route between Zgorzelec and Dresden, and drivers using the A4 motorway on the German side should expect significant disruptions.
by Germany: Autumn closures of the A7 tunnel in Hamburg
Drivers will face significant disruptions on the A7 motorway in the Hamburg area. The most important tunnel in northern Germany, the Elbtunnel, will be completely closed on several dates in autumn 2025. The restrictions will apply to the section between Hamburg-Stellingen and Hamburg-Heimfeld.
According to Autobahn GmbH, the closures are due to the installation of new gantries with road signs and the modernization of the tunnel’s traffic control system, which will be equipped with new software.
Tunnel closure dates:
❌ September 26-29
❌ October 17-20
❌ November 7-10
❌ December 5-8
Each closure will last 55 hours and affect both traffic directions. Work will begin on Friday at 10:00 p.m. and finish on Monday at 5:00 a.m. During this period, a detour will be in place via the A1 and A21 motorways and the B205 road. Drivers should allow extra travel time and expect possible congestion on the alternative routes.
In addition to the Elbtunnel, the Stellingen tunnel will also be closed on the following dates:
❌ November 14-17 – 55 hours
❌ December 6-7 – 12 hours (overnight closure).
by Belgium: Night Closures of the Liefkenshoek Tunnel
Truck drivers planning to pass through the Liefkenshoek Tunnel (R2, Antwerp) should expect night-time disruptions.
The operator has announced maintenance works that will require the complete closure of traffic in the tunnel on two dates:
❌ Thursday, 4 September 2025 – closure towards Ghent/Beveren
❌ Friday, 5 September 2025 – closure towards the Netherlands/Stabroek
In both cases, entry to the tunnel will not be possible from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following day. Alternative routes have been prepared for the duration of the works. Drivers are requested to follow the signage and instructions on site.
by Slovakia: Exemption from the truck driving ban on 29 August
The Presidium of the Slovak Police has considered the request of the Road Carriers Association of the Slovak Republic, CESMAD Slovakia, and grants a general exemption from the driving ban for trucks over 7.5 tonnes GVW on 29 August 2025.
The exemption applies to all heavy goods vehicles on motorways, expressways, first-class roads, and roads designated for international traffic, entering the territory of the Slovak Republic from certain neighbouring countries, provided that their destination (e.g. vehicle base or unloading site) is located within the territory of the Slovak Republic.
The granting of the exemption does not affect the authority of a police officer to prohibit a driver from continuing the journey for the necessary time or to order a specific direction of travel in accordance with § 69 para. 1 (a) of the Act, if required for the safety or smooth flow of road traffic.
by Hungary Eases Truck Driving Ban – Drivers Gain a Nighttime Window
At the request of MKFE, the Ministry of Construction and Transport has introduced a nighttime free passage window as part of the truck driving ban for St. Stephen’s Day. This means that restrictions on heavy goods vehicles will not begin tonight (Tuesday), but only on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 06:00 a.m.
The shortened truck ban period in Hungary will be as follows:
✅ August 20, 2025 (Wednesday) from 06:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(the ban applies to all heavy goods vehicles with a maximum permissible total weight over 7.5 tons).
According to the ministry, this measure is intended to ensure the continuity of supply chains and reduce the risk of spoilage of perishable goods. It also provides hauliers with greater flexibility in transport planning.
MKFE has long been advocating for the introduction of a permanent nighttime passage window every weekend from 10:00 p.m. to 06:00 a.m., which would allow trucks over 7.5 tons GVW to operate during hours of minimal passenger car traffic. Although general regulations have not yet been amended, this year’s St. Stephen’s Day ban will follow this model.
General exemptions from truck bans in Hungary
During truck driving bans (so-called kamionstop), the following vehicles are fully exempt:
▪️ those transporting live animals,
▪️ fresh milk and dairy products,
▪️ fresh or frozen meat and meat products,
▪️ fresh bakery products,
▪️ perishable foodstuffs,
▪️ eggs,
▪️ fresh, unprocessed vegetables and fruit,
▪️ cereals and cereal products,
▪️ as well as empty vehicles traveling to loading points or returning from unloading (if originally designed for transporting such goods).
In addition, trucks returning from abroad may, in July and August, travel from the state border to the company’s base in Hungary or to the first unloading location, even during the truck driving ban. However, during weekend or holiday restrictions, they are not permitted to use the following 19 road sections:
a) M7 motorway – entire length
b) National Road 2 – from Budapest to km 39+150, and Road M2 – from the junction with Roads 2 and 12 to Parassapuszta
c) Expressway 2/A – entire length
d) National Road 6 – between Dunaújváros and Budapest
e) National Road 7
f) National Road 10 – between Dorog and Budapest
g) National Road 11 – between Esztergom and Budapest
h) National Road 12 – entire length
i) Road 1201 – entire length
j) National Road 51 – between the junction with Road 510 and Dömsöd
k) National Road 71 – entire length
l) National Road 76 – between the junctions with Roads 71 and 7, and between Zalaapáti and Road 71
m) National Road 55 – between Alsónyék and Baja
n) National Road 82 – from Road 8 to Veszprémvarsány
o) National Road 84 – from Sümeg to Road 71
p) National Road 33 – from Dormánd to Debrecen
q) National Road 86 – between Jánossomorja and Nemesbőd, and between Körmend and Zalabaksa
r) National Road 37 – between Miskolc and Sátoraljaújhely
s) National Road 38 – between the junction with Road 37 and Rakamaz