by Total closures in the Mont Blanc Tunnel in March
Total closures from 10.00 PM to 6.00 AM on the following nights:
– Monday, March 11 / Tuesday, March 12,
– Tuesday, March 12 / Wednesday, March 13,
– Wednesday, March 13 / Thursday March 14.
– Thursday March 14 / Fiday, March 15.
Total closures from 11.00 PM to 4.00 AM on the following night:
– Thursday, March 21 / Friday, March 22.
Alternating one-way traffic from 10.30 PM to 6.00 AM on the following nights:
– Monday, March 4 / Tuesday, March 5,
– Tuesday, March 5 / Wednesday, March 6,
– Wednesday, March 6 / Thursday, March 7,
– Monday, March 18 / Tuesday, March 19,
– Tuesday, March 19 / Wednesday, March 20,
– Wednesday, March 20 / Thursday, March 21.
by Tring to understand the incomprehensible: Spanish HGV driving bans
Spanish restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles for 2024 retain restrictions already in force in 2023.
Spanish HGV driving bans are among the most extensive and complex ones – the relevant regulation is over 60 pages long! In addition to general restrictions to all HGVs, restrictions for vehicles transporting hazardous materials or abnormal loads, there are additional prohibitions related to, for example, sports events (e.g. cycling competitions, motorcycle Grand Prix) or pilgrimages.
➡️ Compared to last year, the Spanish transport authority DGT has not made big changes to the traffic restrictions for 2024, retaining general restrictions on the A8 between Cantabria and the Basque Country that apply every Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays during the summer period (July and August).
➡️ The restrictions on the N-631 in Zamora aimed at ensuring traffic flow between Spain and Portugal have been extended to all Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays in June, July and August.
➡️ Overtaking bans are retained on sections of some roads during the summer, in particular on AP-1, AP-4 and A-49, with the addition of a ban on April 1 and on Sundays and holidays in July and August on the A-62.
➡️ the overtaking ban for lorries on certain roads, introduced last year, is also retained, specifically:
◾ Every Saturday in June, July and August on the A-49 motorway (from Camas to Huévar from 9 a.m. to 11:00 AM and from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and from Huévar to Bollullos from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM)towards Huelva and on AP-4 from Dos Hermanas to Jerez from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM towards Cadiz.
◾ Every Sunday and public holidays in June, July and August on the A-49 from San Juan del Puerto to Seville, towards Seville from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, on the AP-4 from Jerez to Dos Hermanas, towards Seville from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on the A-62 from Cubillas de Santa Marta to Tordesillas, in both directions, from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
◾ On Sundays in July (7, 14, 21 and 28) and August 11 on the AP-1 from Rubena to Pancorbo, towards Vitoria from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, as well as on August 15 and 21, November 1 and December 6, from Ameyugo to Ruben, towards Burgos, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
❗ Each year, separate regulations for HGV traffic are published by Catalonia and the Basque Country. After the Autonomous Community of Navarre took over the responsibility for traffic managment, the local authorities have published their first resolution that introduces HGV restrictions. For more information on restrictions in Spain, visit www.trafficban.com/country.spain.moreinfo.75.pl.html
by Germany: After 10 years, the end of HGV driving as the new bridge in Leverkusen is open to traffic
Lorries can now use the first part of the new bridge across the Rhine. Until the second part of the bridge is completed, three lanes are available in both directions. The speed limit on the entire bridge section is 80 km/h and overtaking is prohibited.
Since the new bridge was officially opened on February 4, three narrowed lanes are available from the Leverkusen intersection to the Cologne-Niehl junction towards Koblenz/Twir., The main carriageway of the A1 in the direction of Dortmund at the Cologne-Niehl junction has been narrowed from three to two lanes. Between the Niehl junction and the Leverkusen Bridge, the slip lane serves as a third lane, so there are three narrowed lanes in this direction from the Rhine Bridge. Along he entire section between the Leverkusen intersection and the Cologne-Niehl junction narrowed lanes are marked with yellow road lines. The speed limit on the entire section is 80 km/h. Lorries, coaches and vehicle combinations with trailers are not allowed to overtake.
Since the new bridge has been opened, all previous weight restrictions (for vehicles with a MAM over 3.5 tons) no longer apply. This means that lorries, coaches and all other vehicles can cross the bridge again.
During the total closure at the end of January, five truck barriers were dismantled (on the A1 motorway in the direction of Dortmund and in the direction of Koblenz, on the road parallel to the A1 motorway at the Cologne-Niehl junction in the direction of Dortmund, on Industriestrasse before the Cologne-Niehl junction in the direction of Dortmund and on the A59 motorway at the Leverkusen junction West in the direction of Koblenz).
by Germany: A27 between the Uthlede and Hagen junctions closed until further notice
The A27 motorway, which connects Bremen, Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven, was completely closed on Wednesday, February 21, after a rusted ditch culvert under the motorway had caused the road surface to sink. On Monday, February 26, work will start to replace the existing corrugated steel pipe with a pipe made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. After the renovation, it will no longer be necessary to check whether depressions have formed under the road because the road structure will be completely renewed.
On the A27 between Uthlede and Cuxhaven there are six ditch culverts made of corrugated steel, like the one near Hagen. All of them will now be to examined. At the same time, plans are being made for a new structure. The installation of a fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipe is therefore only a temporary solution, which will make it possible to continue renovation work with only one lane closed at a time, which means the motorway does not have to be completely closed as is currently the case.
The following diversions are currently available for vehicles with abnormal loads:
◾Between Bremen and Bremerhaven the former Bundesstraße 6, now L135, is used as a connection between the A27 Ihlpohl and Bremerhaven-Süd junctions. Alternatively, one should not enter or exit the A27 motorway at Bremerhaven-Süd, but continue via the B6 and B71 to the Bremerhaven-Wulsdorf junction. The same route should be used in the opposite direction.
◾Between Oldenburg and Bremerhaven, the connection follows along the tunnel under the Weser river from the A29 motorway in Oldenburg via the A293, B211, B212 and B437 (the Weser Tunnel) to the A27 Stotel junction. The same route should be used in the opposite direction.
by Poland: Road blocks at Świecko and difficulties on the A2 and in Słubice
From February 25 to March 20, Polish farmers are going to protest against the inflow of agricultural goods from Ukraine, the green deal policy, the withdrawal of some agrochemicals and eco-terror.
According to information published by the District Police Headquarters in Słubice, traffic disruptions on the A2 motorway in both directions and in Słubice can be expected from Sunday, February 25 to March 20. Additionally, the A2 in the direction of Germany will be completely blocked during this time. Farmers’ protests can also cause disruptions on the bridge across the Odra river.
❗ HGV traffic on the A2 in the direction of Germany will be diverted to the S3 expressway towards Zielona Góra at the Jordanowo junction so that it can continue towards the border crossing in Gubinek. It is important to remember that lorries cannot cross the border bridge in Kostrzyn nad Odrą because it is being renovated and can only be used by cars. Cars heading for Germany will be diverted to the K29 road towards Krosno Odrzańskie and the K31 road towards Słubice and Kostrzyn nad Odrą.
The blockade has been registered in the Public Information Bulletin of the Słubice Commune and will be held at the Słubice junction (E-30 (A-2) / K29) and from the junction on both carriageways of the A-2 to the border crossing in Świecko.
by Spain: a temporary derogation from drivers‘ hours in Februrary
In the face of difficulties experienced by tens of thousands of Spanish hauliers caused by protests started two weeks ago by Spanish farmers, the Ministry of Transport has decided to relax the rules regarding driving and rest times.
The protests have affected approximately 100,000 lorries, i.e. almost half of the Spanish HGV fleet. The new resolution, published on Tuesday, February 20, applies to all carriers affected by the above-mentioned protests in the period of 5-14 Februrary and 19-26 February.
By virtue of the derogation:
◾daily driving time has been extended from 9 to 10 hours,
◾weekly driving time – from 56 to 60 hours,
◾the daily rest period has been shortened from 11 to 9 hours,
◾drivers are allowed to postpone the start of the weekly rest period beyond six 24-hour periods.
The industry association FENADISMER has notified the Ministry of Transport about problems in the application of the derogation in the week from February 12 to 18, when two different rules were in force: the period covered by the resolution did not cover the days from February 15 to 18, although the revised rules apply on a weekly or daily basis and, therefore, take into account other time constraints that are in effect during the week.
by Germany and Austria prolong their border controls
The German Ministry of the Interior has notified the European Commission about the extension of temporary checks along the country’s internal land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland until June 15. Austria has done the same along its land border with the Czech Republic until April 16.
Germany
Border controls have been prolonged to combat smuggling and limit illegal migration. By virtue of Article 25 of the Schengen Borders Code, temporary controls will be in place until June 15. Border checks are also taking place at the German-Austrian border and will last until May 11.
Border monitoring activities of the German Border Guard are carried out at different points and times along smuggling routes, depending on the current situation. Since October 16, 2023, in the course of temporary controls along the border with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, the federal police have detected almost 23,000 unauthorized entries and made 13,000 interventions to prevent entry or terminate illegal stay. The number of unauthorized entries detected nationwide dropped from around 21,000 in September 2023 to around 6,700 in January 2024. 564 smugglers were arrested during this period.
Austria
In accordance with the regulation of the Federal Minister of the Interior, checks on the land border with the Czech Republic will continue until April 16.
by Five weeks of closures of A249 in Kent
The A249 in Kent is set to be closed for five weeks as part of the M2 Junction 5 improvement scheme as we construct the new A249 carriageway to the south of Stockbury Roundabout.
To safely carry out this work, the southbound A249 carriageway (towards Maidstone) between the Stockbury Roundabout and Church Hill will be closed for five weeks. These closures will be put in place from Friday 23 February to Saturday 30 March 2024. To minimise disruption, two lanes will be kept open heading towards the roundabout from Maidstone.
There will also be an overnight closure on the northbound carriageway between the M20 Junction 7 and Stockbury Roundabout from 8pm Friday 16 February to 5am Monday 19 February 2024 for preparation work.
The same stretch of road will also be closed overnight from Sunday 10 March to Monday 11 March 2024 and again overnight on Thursday 28 March and Friday 29 March between 8pm and 5am each night.
At the same time, National Highways will also take the opportunity to build the new London-bound exit slip road. This should also encourage drivers to stay on the M2 and reduce traffic arriving at the Stockbury Roundabout while the southbound A249 is closed. This slip road will also be closed for the duration of this five-week period.
Closure information
❎ Friday 16 to Monday 19 February – A249 northbound weekend closure
The A249 northbound will be closed between the M20 junction 7 and the Stockbury Roundabout from 8pm Friday 16 February to 5am Monday 19 February for preparation work.
Diversion:
Signed diversions via the M20, A229, M2 and A249. For non-motorway traffic, please use the A249, A229, A2 and A249.
❎ Monday 19 February to Saturday 30 March – closure of Church Hill exit
When the A249 northbound reopens on Monday 19 February, the Church Hill exit will remain closed until 5am Saturday 30 March. This will allow to build the new junction with Church Hill.
Diversion:
Use Chalky Road to join the A249.
❎ Friday 23 February to Saturday 30 March – A249 southbound closure
The A249 southbound will be closed from the Stockbury Roundabout to Church Hill, along with the M2 junction 5 London-bound exit slip, from 8pm Friday 23 February to 5am Saturday 30 March. There will be no access to the A249 from Oad Street or South Green Lane during this time.
Diversion:
a signed diversion will be in place via the M2, A229, M20 and A249. For non-motorway traffic, please use A249, A2, A229, A249.
To leave the M2 London-bound and join the A249 towards Sittingbourne, stay on the M2 to junction 4 and return to junction 5 on the coastbound carriageway.
❎ Sunday 10, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 March – A249 northbound overnight closures
The A249 northbound will be closed between M20 junction 7 and the Stockbury Roundabout from 8pm Sunday 10 March to 5am Monday 11 March to move northbound traffic onto the southbound carriageway.
The A249 northbound will then be closed between M20 junction 7 and the Stockbury Roundabout overnight again on Thursday 28 March and Friday 29 March between 8pm and 5am each night.
Diversion:
please use the M20, A229, M2 and A249. For non-motorway traffic please use the A249, A229, A2 and A249.
When the road reopens at 5am on Saturday 30 March, both sides of the A249 will be open.
While the A249 is closed, work will also be conducted on the southern links to the upgraded junction, including:
• The A249 southbound (towards Maidstone) exit from the Stockbury Roundabout
• The northbound (towards Sheppey) A249 on to the Stockbury flyover.
• The South Green link road that will connect South Green Lane and Oad Street to the Stockbury Roundabout.
• The M2 London-bound exit slip.
by Germany: Weekend closure of the A7 – recommended diversion routes
Owing to the construction of the new A7/A26 HH-Hafen intersection, the A7 will be completely closed in both directions between the HH-Heimfeld (32) and the HH-Volkspark (27) junctions from 10 PM on Friday, February 16, until 5:00 AM, on Monday, February 19.
Slip lanes at the junctions HH-Volkspark (27), HH-Bahrenfeld (28), HH-Othmarschen (29), HH-Waltershof (30), HH-Hausbruch (31), and HH-Heimfeld (32) will be closed from 9 PM on Friday, February 16.
Recommended diversion routes:
Long-distance traffic is diverted along the A1, A21 and B205 in both directions.
❎ Traffic from the south from the Bucherholzer intersection (43) / Horster intersection (40) is diverted through the Maschener Kreuz intersection (39) and then along the A1 motorway
❎ Traffic from the north, from the Neumünster-Süd junction (15) is diverted along the B205 road
The diversion route is indicated by the traffic control system (VMS panels).
Diversions in the city center and southbound diversions:
❎ Traffic towards Hannover – drivers should follow the “Elbbrücken” signs at the HH-Stellingen junction (26) on the B5 to A1 and A7
• along the streets Kieler Straße -Sportplatzring – Koppelstraße – Julius-Vosseler Straße Vogt-Wells-Straße (Elbbrücken) – Osterfeldstraße – Lokstedter Weg – Eppendorfer Marktplatz – Heinickestraße – Hudtwalkerstraße – Winterhuder Marketplatz – Barmbeker Straße – Bachstraße – Her derstraße – Winterhuder Weg – Land wehr – Sievekingsallee to the Horner roundabout, then along A24 to A1 towards the Elbe bridges
• or continue along the B5 via Burgstraße – Grevenweg via Eiffestraße to the HH-Billstedt junction (33) along the A1 motorway towards Bremen
❎ Southbound traffic towards Altona-West is diverted along the U33 at the HH-Volkspark junction (27) and at the Schnackenburg / Binsbarg intersection turns left towards Altona.
❎ Alternative routes are also available to reduce traffic congestion:
• from the HH-Schnelsen-Nord junction (23) through the airport ring road B432 and B433 along Alsterkrugchaussee,
— from there along the Ring 2 road towards the east,
— or continue along the B5 towards Elbbrücken, for example towards the Centre
• from the HH-Schnelsen junction (24) on the B447, follow the signs for Elbbrücken or Centrum.
Diversions in the city center and northbound diversions:
❎ Towards Flensburg, traffic at the HH-Heimfeld junction (32) is diverted via the U7, following the “Elbbrücken” signs.
• Stader Straße – Buxtehuder Straße – Hannoversche Straße, and then along Neuländer Straße through the HH-Harburg junction onto the A1
• from there continue along the B75, first following the signs for “Flughafen”, then along the B5 from Barmbeker Straße and Vogt-Wells-Straße towards the A7 via the HH-Stellingen junction (26)
• or continue along the eastbound A1 motorway to the Horner roundabout and then onto the A24
• or to the HH-Billstedt junction (33) along the B5 towards HH-Centrum
❎ Traffic from the south towards the port can take the U21 diversion at the HH-Heimfeld junction (32) towards the port.
For traffic from Lüneburg/Uelzen towards Lübeck or Kiel, the following diversion is recommended:
❎ From the A39 via the Handorf junction (5), then take the B404, A25, A1 towards Lübeck or the A21 towards Kiel.
For traffic from from Lüneburg/Uelzen towards HH-Centrum the following diversion is recommended:
❎ From the A39 via the Handorf junction (5) then take the B404, A25, A1 towards Lübeck and at the HH-Billstedt junction (33) on the B5 towards HH-Centrum or via the A24 from the HH-Ost junction (31).
Abnormal loads
Vehicles carrying abnormal loads must, if possible, avoid the area affected by the A7 closure, since there are no possibilities of travelling in either direction. Traffic restrictions for vehicles carrying abnormal loads will be clearly indicated in front of the following parking areas:
❎ Southbound traffic:
A7: Aalbek; Holmmoor; Bönningstedt
A23: Steinburg; Rantzau
❎ Northbound traffic:
A7: Harburger Berge; Seevetal
A261: Rosengarten.
by Finland: border crossings with Russia closed until mid-April
During the meeting on February 8, the Finnish government decided to prolong the closure of all land border crossings between Finland and Russia until April 14.
This means that it is not possible to apply for international protection at land border crossings between Finland and Russia.
It is believed that there are hundreds, and possibly thousands, of migrants in the vicinity of the Russian border waiting to continue their journey to Finland. The prolongation of the border closure is therefore necessary to protect national security and public order.