- A40 near Bochum closed for 15 weeks - lockdown started
For the demolition and reconstruction of a dilapidated bridge near Bochum, the heavily trafficked Ruhr region motorway A40 will be closed for 15 weeks. On Tuesday evening, preparations for the full closure around the large construction site began, according to Autobahn GmbH. It will take several hours until midnight on Wednesday to complete the closure at all necessary points.
Initially, at around 21:00, the closure of the on-ramps was initiated to prevent further traffic from entering the A40, as a spokesperson described. "Traffic will be restricted on the motorway to allow for marking works. The full closure will only take effect later in the night."
The sealed-off section lies between the Bochum-West interchange and the Bochum-Harpen exit. Traffic will be diverted until early November. The ADAC expects increased congestion and additional traffic jams on the detour routes. However, the deadline was chosen advantageously, as it includes parts of the summer and autumn holidays with relatively lower traffic volumes. The bridge, built in 1959, will be replaced by a new structure. Around 100,000 cars travel on the A40 in the Ruhr region on weekdays.
The Member States can provide assistance to the Commission in managing traffic diversions during the bridge reconstruction on the A40. After the closure, the Commission will need to work closely with the Member States to ensure smooth traffic flow on the alternative routes.
