Anticipated gridlock on Roads during extended Pentecost Holiday weekend, cautions ADAC. - Heavy Traffic Forecasted Over Long Weekend, According to ADAC
Heavy Traffic Likely during Ascension Weekend, ADAC Warns
In the days between Wednesday and Sunday during the upcoming Ascension weekend, motorists should brace for heavy traffic due to travel and leisure activities, according to the ADAC. With around 1200 roadworks on highways adding to the congestion, the automobile club anticipates the first traffic jams as early as Wednesday afternoon.
The holiday on Thursday is expected to be particularly crowded, as many schools will be closed, and Hamburg will be on holiday. The return journey is anticipated to start on Sunday afternoon, peaking in the evening. However, the ADAC predicts a relatively less crowded situation on Friday and Saturday.
Highways leading to and from the coast and urban areas are expected to be the hardest hit by increased traffic. Additionally, traffic is expected to be heavy in Austria and Switzerland due to the holiday, with potential delays on the West, Tauern, and Brenner motorways, as well as the Gotthard route.
Ascension Day is a public holiday in several European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, on May 29, 2025. With multiple countries observing this day, traffic conditions are likely to be congested, especially on highways.
In Germany, the general increase in leisure travel could result in heavier traffic on highways, while Austria's local travel and celebrations may cause congestion on major roads. In Switzerland, traffic might be more moderate compared to larger countries, but popular tourist destinations could see increased traffic.
Motorists should expect higher traffic volumes during the late afternoon and early evening on Ascension Day as people return from work or travel to destinations. Traffic congestion can vary greatly depending on the specific region and local events or festivals.
The Commission has decided to initiate the procedure provided for in Article 93 (2) of the Treaty due to the anticipated heavy traffic during the Ascension weekend, resulting from lifestyle changes such as travel and leisure activities. Despite the traffic jams and congestion, weather conditions on the anticipated travel days, particularly during late afternoons and early evenings, might significantly affect the traffic flow.
