Traffic chaos at the weekend: A1 and A52 closed due to bridge construction!

Traffic chaos at the weekend: A1 and A52 closed due to bridge construction!

This coming weekend, drivers will have to expect significant traffic delays on several important German highways. The A1 between Leverkusen-West and Leverkusen is expected to be completely closed between Friday evening and Monday morning. This measure is part of the construction work on the new Leverkusen Rhine bridge, which will be lost due to necessary maintenance work and the new construction. In addition, the A52 between Düsseldorf and Essen will be closed to make room for the demolition of a pedestrian bridge.

The closure phase begins on Friday evening and lasts until Monday morning. For travelers in the direction of Dortmund, a diversion via the A59 to Düsseldorf and the A46 is planned. Drivers traveling towards Koblenz will be directed onto the A59 from the Leverkusen junction. The ADAC North Rhine specifically points out an increased risk of traffic jams, especially in view of the existing construction sites on the Kölner Ring.

Detours and alternative routes

For road users who want to take the A1 towards Dortmund, the diversion begins at the Leverkusen-West intersection, where they are redirected onto the A59 towards Düsseldorf. From there you go to the Düsseldorf-Süd triangle, where you can continue on the A46 to Wuppertal. You can then return to the A1 towards Dortmund at the Wuppertal-Nord triangle.

There is a similar diversion for drivers traveling towards Koblenz. This also leads from the Leverkusen-West junction onto the A59, and then enables a return journey to the A1 at the Leverkusen-Rheindorf junction.

The Rhine ferry between Leverkusen-Hitdorf and Cologne-Langel is offered as an alternative route. It will operate from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and could provide a time-saving solution to congested roads.

Background to the Rhine Bridge

The construction work on the Leverkusen Rhine Bridge is extensive, as the old bridge is being replaced by two new bridges. The first of the two new bridges was opened at the beginning of 2024. The demolition of the old bridge is necessary for the completion of the second new bridge, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. The overall project stipulates that after completion, four lanes will be available in each direction, instead of the current three.

In summary, it should be noted that the coming traffic period will require significant changes and diversions. Travelers should plan early and consider alternative routes to avoid congestion and delays. The information service of South German newspaper and the Cologne City Gazette provides the latest developments on these traffic restrictions.