Weekend of Pentecost Traffic Congestion: Fridays See Heavy Vehicle Congestion in Afternoons
Gearing Up for the Pentecost Weekend Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic in North Rhine-Westphalia
Gear up for some serious traffic congestion during the Pentecost weekend (6th - 10th June) across North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Here's what you need to know to navigate through the chaotic roads and opt for smoother travel.
Expect Bumper-to-Bumper Traffic on Friday Afternoon
With the start of the long weekend, traffic is expected to build up from noon itself. The notorious commuter routes like the Cologne Ring, the Dortmund-bound direction, the A57, and the A3 will be clogged. The waiting game ends only in the evening. beach-bound travelers, be on the lookout as they flock to the coast. Last year, traffic jams of over 420 kilometers were reported in NRW just on the Wednesday afternoon before Ascension Day, as reported by our traffic studio. To avoid the stress, gather information about the route conditions first and try to avoid peak hours if possible—it's better to be safe than sorry!
More on the A42 closure near Bottrop
Steer Clear of These Congested Roads
- A1 (Cologne-Dortmund-Bremen)
- A2 (Oberhausen-Hannover)
- A3 (Cologne-Oberhausen-Arnheim)
- A4 (Cologne-Aachen)
- A40 (Dortmund-Venlo)
- A44 (Dortmund-Kassel)
- A57 (Cologne-Krefeld)
Shopping Sprees and Excursions in the Netherlands
Traffic situation in NRW
City trips and outlet destinations are reopening their doors, and shopping traffic is bound to head towards the Netherlands throughout the Pentecost weekend. Watch out for traffic jams on the A4 towards Arnheim, A12 towards Venlo, A44 towards Roermond, and A67 towards Eindhoven. And while returning home from these trips, be prepared for delays at the borders with increased border controls. Amusement parks in Bottrop, Bestwig, and Brühl are also popular destinations for excursionists. Prepare for waiting times before the exits on the A44 and A40.
Road Closures in the Ruhr Area: A42 Bottrop-Essen
From Friday (6th June) at 10 PM until Monday (16th June) at 5 AM, the stretch between Bottrop-Süd and Essen-Nord will be closed in both directions. This closure is due to the renewal of an industrial bridge. Although the construction season is in full swing, this is a deliberate move to minimize the impact on holiday traffic. However, expect delays on the detour routes, even in the week following Pentecost.
Bridge work: A565 near Bonn closed for several weeks
A40 to Essen: Closure Between Bochum-Hamme and Bochum-West
From Friday (6th June) at 9 PM until Saturday (7th June) at 5 AM, A40 towards Essen will be closed for sign renewal. You can take the A44 or A42 as detours.
Watch Out for These Additional Road Closures
Dutch traffic updates from ANWB
- A565 near Bonn, closed for several weeks for bridge work
- A43 near Lüdenscheid, permanently closed
- A1 near Aachen
Take note that even though the Autobahn GmbH does not report any daily construction sites, accidents or closures can still lead to lengthy waiting times.
Trains to Be Packed Like Sardines
Traffic service from NDR
The days around Pentecost are also popular travel days for Deutsche Bahn. Reserve your seats on the busy long-distance routes between Frankfurt and Munich or Berlin and Frankfurt. The trains will be well-utilized during Pentecost, with the Friday before Pentecost (6th June) and Pentecost Monday (9th June) expected to be particularly packed.
East Westphalia-Lippe: Regional and Long-Distance Traffic Restrictions
No trains will run around Herford from Friday (6th June) at 9 PM until Friday (13th June) at 9 PM. Railway bridge modernization work is underway here. Long-distance trains between Hamm and Hannover will be rerouted, with stops in Bielefeld, Gütersloh, Minden, and Bad Oeynhausen canceled. Adjust your travel plans accordingly, and consider using replacement buses for regional traffic.
Current schedule changes with the DB
Air Travel Remains Popular
Around the Pentecost weekend, Düsseldorf Airport expects around 350,000 passengers. On Friday (6th June) alone, more than 75,000 travelers are expected, making it the busiest day of the long weekend. Cologne/Bonn Airport also anticipates more than 150,000 travelers during the extended weekend.
If you're planning to fly, allow extra time at the airports due to increased passenger numbers and potential longer security lines. Delays can occur due to staffing shortages or adverse weather conditions. It's always best to stay updated with the latest information on the airports.
Current announcements NRW | DB Regio
Truck Ban on Whitsun Weekend
Trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 7.5 metric tons will be restricted on roads across Germany from 00:00 to 22:00 on June 8th (Whitsun Sunday) and June 9th (Whit Monday). Keep this in mind if you're traveling via truck during these days.
Stay Informed and Be Patient!
Airport radar NRW
To stay updated on the current traffic situation, construction sites, and train schedules, check out the following links:
- More on the A42 closure near Bottrop
- Traffic situation in NRW
- Bridge work: A565 near Bonn closed for several weeks
- Dutch traffic updates from ANWB
- Traffic service from NDR
For hassle-free travel, plan ahead, stay updated with real-time traffic information, and leave plenty of extra time to reach your destination. A calm approach will ensure a smooth journey and keep holiday vibes high. Happy traveling!
Sources Consulted:
- Police NRW
- Autobahn GmbH
- Deutsche Bahn
- Düsseldorf Airport
- Cologne/Bonn Airport
- Our website - Traffic Studio
We also provide updates on these topics in our radio traffic updates. Enjoy your travels!
Balanced Meals on the GoPrepare for long hours on the road by packing nutritious snacks and meals to keep your energy levels up during the Pentecost weekend travels. Plan for foods like energy bars, fruits, and sandwiches that are easy to carry and eat on the move.
Active Breaks During TravelBeat the traffic congestion blues by incorporating sports activities into your travel routine. Take short walks during rest stops, practice simple exercises like stretching or yoga in your car, or even organize a mini sporting event with fellow travelers if possible. Keep your body active and your mind fresh during the journey.
