Risk of traffic jams at Whitsun: bottlenecks on Saxony's freeways

How drivers can prepare themselves

Autobahn GmbH recommends that drivers find out about roadworks and closures on their route in advance - for example with the help of the Autobahn app. "Start your journey well rested and make sure you have enough food and drink on board," explains Grotjahn. "Plan sufficiently long breaks and - if possible - take turns driving at short intervals."

If there are traffic jams or gridlocked traffic, a rescue lane must be kept clear. Caution is advised with detours such as those displayed by navigation apps. They often lead to congestion on the road network, says Grotjahn. "The traffic jam is then often much more extensive. A full closure and subsequent diversion is usually carried out by the police, for example for rescue work."

The ADAC also advises staying on the route in traffic jams or slow-moving traffic. "The secondary network fills up very quickly and the traffic jam shifts." The association advises good advance planning and anti-cyclical driving to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams on your vacation. "We recommend setting off as early or as late as possible in the day to avoid commuting times," explains Wagner. Commuter traffic at the destination should also be taken into account for longer distances.

What happens after Pentecost?

While the traffic situation is expected to calm down on Pentecost Sunday, experts expect a wave of return journeys on Monday. Tuesday will then see the usual truck and commuter traffic. In 2023, the Tuesday after Whitsun was even the most congested day of the year in Saxony, explains ADAC spokesperson Wagner.

• Baustellenkarte Autobahn GmbH

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