Motorists in the Hamburg area should expect continued travel delays as a planned closure of the A7 highway extends until Monday at 5:00 AM. While the highway itself will reopen, a warning strike by the Verdi union at the Elbtunnel control center will continue to disrupt traffic flow.
Highway Closure and Strike Impact
The A7 has been fully closed in both directions – towards Flensburg between Hamburg-Heimfeld and Volkspark, and towards Hannover between Hamburg-Stellingen and Heimfeld – since Friday evening due to construction work. Though, a strike by Autobahn GmbH employees is compounding the disruption, particularly affecting tunnel control centers.
Reduced Capacity at Elbtunnel
Due to the strike, only two lanes will be open in each direction at the Elbtunnel, as was the case on Friday. The Schnelsen and Stellingen noise protection tunnels are also affected. Significant congestion is anticipated for heavy goods vehicles at the Norderelbbrücke, with no passage currently available for oversized loads.
Union Defends Strike Timing
Verdi defends the timing of the strike, stating it aligns with the scheduling of a nationwide collective bargaining round. According to Max Stempel, the union’s representative for Autobahn GmbH, no alternative dates were available. He emphasized that strikes are a last resort, taken only after negotiations have failed to yield results. Stempel stated that after two rounds of negotiations, Autobahn GmbH “has not moved, not even slightly.”
Negotiations to Continue
Autobahn GmbH has expressed optimism regarding upcoming negotiations, aiming for a balanced agreement in the third round. Verdi is demanding a 7 percent wage increase, or a minimum of 300 euros per month. Discussions are scheduled to resume on Wednesday in Berlin.
Traffic Diversions Advised
Police are advising drivers to use public transportation during the A7 closure. A comprehensive diversion route via the A1, A21, and B205 is in place for through traffic. Local diversions utilize the Elbe bridges, but the B75, often used as an alternative to the A1, is also affected by construction, with only one lane available in each direction near the Hamburg-Marmstorf junction.
No Through Traffic Possible
Large vehicles and heavy loads must seize extensive detours, as passage in both directions is currently impossible. Bus lines 150, 250, and 611 operated by Hochbahn are being rerouted via the Elbe bridges.
The repeated closures of the A7 are connected to its expansion to eight lanes and improvements to noise protection, with the approximately two-kilometer-long Altona noise protection tunnel scheduled for completion by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the A7 closure?
The A7 is closed due to construction work to expand the highway to eight lanes and improve noise protection.
When will the A7 reopen?
The A7 is scheduled to reopen at 5:00 AM on Monday, but traffic disruptions will continue due to a strike at the Elbtunnel control center.
What is Verdi’s demand in the negotiations?
Verdi is demanding a 7 percent wage increase, or a minimum of 300 euros per month.
How will these ongoing disruptions impact commuters and freight transport in the Hamburg region?
