Complete closure of the A1 in Hamburg: mega traffic jam until Monday morning!

Complete closure of the A1 in Hamburg: mega traffic jam until Monday morning!

A comprehensive closure of the A1 motorway in Hamburg began on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, and will last until Monday morning at 5 a.m. This affects the section between the Hamburg-Billstedt junction and the Norderelbe motorway triangle. The closure is the result of necessary renovation work by Deutsche Bahn on the Moorfleet Tunnel, which affects one of the main traffic arteries in northern Germany, which is used by around 131,000 vehicles every day NDR reported.

During the closure, traffic will be routed through the city and significant traffic jams have already been reported: there are four kilometers of traffic jams in the direction of Lübeck and Berlin, and two kilometers in the direction of Bremen. Motorists are encouraged to take alternative routes to minimize the impact of traffic. It is recommended to use the A255/B75 and the New Elbbrücken to the B5, which flows back onto the A1 at the Hamburg-Billstedt junction. Traffic from the direction of Geesthacht is asked to leave the A25 in Hamburg-Allermöhe and drive via Ring 2 to the Horner ramp.

Detailed redirection information

There are special diversions for drivers traveling north: From the AD Norderelbe via the A255, B75 and B5 to the AS Hamburg-Billstedt. If you want to get to Lübeck from the B75, Wilhelmsburger Reichstrasse, you should also take the A255, B75 and B5 to AS HH-Billstedt. To the south, the diversion takes place from AS Hamburg-Billstedt via the B5, B75 and A255 to the A1. For users of the A25 heading to Bremen or Lübeck, the exit at AS HH-Allermöhe (2) is an important option. It takes road users via Hans-Duncker-Straße, Rungedamm and Ring 2 to the B5, from where they can reach the A1 at the Horner ramp.

The Hamburg police also recommend using the A7 as a supra-regional bypass route; However, longer waiting times can be expected here, especially north and south of the Elbe tunnel, with six kilometers of traffic jams in both directions. Especially on Saturday, the situation could cause additional problems given the football match between Hamburger SV and 1. FC Heidenheim.

Why the work is necessary

The background to the full closure is the concrete renovation work carried out by Deutsche Bahn on the Moorfleet Tunnel, which crosses under the motorway and at the same time connects the Hamburg-Berlin railway line with the S-Bahn line between the main station and Bergedorf. The work, which is coordinated by the Autobahn GmbH Nord branch, includes not only the renewal of the asphalt layer, but also the replacement of the transition structures on the Norderelb Bridge.

The full closure is coordinated with construction sites in the city of Hamburg and in the greater area in order to minimize traffic disruption and ensure that the work is carried out efficiently. It should be noted that some measures are weather dependent and may therefore change at short notice, such as autobahn.de points out.

For travelers who may wish to rent a vehicle, current traffic conditions may impact this, and Make sure you are aware of the booking process while navigating through the city, as a credit card is required for rentals and cash payments are not accepted, as stated on ADAC is to be read.

It remains to be hoped that all road users can be patient during the closure and that the measures are implemented quickly and efficiently.