Traffic disruptions in Berlin. Traffic fines in Germany. Driving on the A9 towards Berlin will be challenging for drivers once again. Starting in April, renovation work will begin and continue until Christmas, leading to traffic jams and disruptions. The repairs are necessary due to damage in the concrete surface caused by wear and tear, affecting a 10.3 km stretch of the road.
Last year, the section towards Munich was repaired, and now it’s time to fix the lanes heading to Berlin. This is particularly inconvenient for travellers planning holiday trips to the Baltic Sea, as the work will take place on one of the busiest parts of the motorway. The renovations will cover the section between Coswig (Saxony-Anhalt) and Berlin, where the road surface will be replaced. Additionally, seven bridges and other structures will undergo repairs, with two bridges set for complete demolition. Autobahn GmbH has also announced that four new installations for road signs will be added along the route.
The damage to the road is caused by air pockets in the concrete, which weaken the surface over time. These imperfections lead to cracks and potholes, making the road unsafe for drivers. The renovation is a priority due to the road’s 22-year lifespan and previous damage from chemical reactions in the concrete.
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Traffic disruptions and high costs
The renovation on the A9 towards Berlin will take place on an active roadway, meaning traffic will be redirected to the Munich-bound carriageway. Two lanes will remain open in each direction, but drivers should expect delays. The Coswig junction will be completely closed during the main phase of the project.
As one of Germany’s busiest motorways, the A9 sees around 60,000 vehicles daily. The renovation, which includes road resurfacing and new signage, is estimated to cost €43.8 million. The project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2025, according to bild.de.
Further roadwork on the A9 near Ingolstadt (Bavaria) will also continue until 2026. This could lead to increased traffic congestion and a higher risk of accidents in the affected areas.
Renovation of the eastern German motorways
Over the next few years, Germany plans to invest around one million euros in renovating the eastern sections of its motorways, including the A9. The focus will be on roads built in the 1990s, which are especially prone to damage caused by cracks in the concrete.
For drivers, this means longer and more challenging journeys, particularly during holiday and Christmas travel seasons. With ongoing construction and traffic diversions, planning ahead will be essential to avoid major delays.