Traffic jams and construction sites: Hamburg's motorway expansion remains stuck in traffic!

Traffic jams and construction sites: Hamburg's motorway expansion remains stuck in traffic!

Traffic in Hamburg has been characterized by numerous construction sites over the last few years. The expansion of the A7 motorway, which began in 2014, will last until the end of 2029. The motorway will be expanded to eight lanes on both sides of the Elbe Tunnel to meet increasing traffic demands. But even after 2026, the long-awaited construction of the A26 will not take place. The current projects, including the new construction of the Köhlbrand Bridge and the Norderelb Bridge, are making slow progress and have not yet started. Boyen's Media reports that this situation has a significant impact on the everyday life of Hamburg residents.

The crowding on the A7 is further increased by the construction site on the Altona noise protection route. Around 120,000 vehicles pass through the temporary diversions here every day. The noise protection tunnel will continue to be built and the first tunnel tube is scheduled to be put into operation in spring 2027. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029, but many drivers are already wondering when things will finally become less crowded.

Renovation work and construction sites

Another issue that is putting a strain on Hamburg's traffic planning is the Köhlbrand Bridge. This was completely closed at the weekend due to renovation work. The work is related to the expansion of the A7 from six to eight lanes. The bridge, which was completed in 1974, cannot be renovated, which means that a new replacement is necessary. The Hamburg Senate decided to build a new bridge project in April 2024, which is expected to begin traffic by 2042. At the same time, several closures will continue to be necessary for maintenance work on the bridge in 2026. Information about this can be found on the Hamburg Port Authority website NDW.

Another major construction site is the new Hamburg-Hafen motorway junction, which connects the A7 with the A26. The construction is complex and has been delayed due to difficult conditions on the construction site and the tunnel under the port railway. The A26-West will initially only lead to the city limits and the connection is not scheduled to be completed until 2028. Disappointing for many Hamburg residents who are hoping for smooth transport connections.

Traffic restrictions and outlook

The Norderel Bridge is also a topic of conversation, as traffic restrictions have been in effect here since March. Truck traffic heading towards Lübeck and Berlin must move to the right lane. The first construction work for the new building has been put out to tender and a planning approval decision is expected in the spring; construction could start in the autumn.

The renovation backlog can also be felt on the A25, where the renovation between Hamburg-Südost and the Neuallermöhe-West junction is expected to continue until late summer. From the end of August, free travel in both directions could be possible again. In particular, the renovation of the new Elbe bridge is being delayed and will not be completed until the end of 2026. Here too, road users are not spared patience.

It looks like it will probably be a few years before the traffic situation in Hamburg eases and a smoother journey through the city and the surrounding regions becomes possible. A challenge that continues to keep the people of Hamburg on their toes.