Heavy Traffic Expected for Rückreiseverkehr Weekend
As the summer vacation season comes to a close in several German states, parts of the Netherlands, and Austria, travelers should prepare for heavy traffic on the Rückreiseverkehr weekend. One of the major concerns is the return journey, especially on the A9 in the Steiermark region. The bottleneck areas of Bosruck and Gleinalm are expected to experience high volumes of traffic. Additionally, delays can be anticipated at the Spielfeld border crossing, where long wait times were reported last weekend. Travelers are advised to plan for extended queues and consider traveling early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak traffic congestion. It is also recommended to carry an ample supply of water, as temperatures are expected to rise in the coming days.
Staupunkte im Urlauberreiseverkehr
The following highways and expressways are expected to be congested during the holiday travel period:
– A2, Südautobahn: Significant construction work between Graz-West and Graz-Ost, with the breakdown lane closed and a speed limit of 80 km/h.
– A2, Südautobahn/A9, Pyhrnautobahn: Overload at the Graz-West interchange.
– A2, Südautobahn: Construction zone from Pinkafeld to Lafnitztal.
– A9, Pyhrnautobahn: Traffic congestion at the Gleinalm toll station due to construction and narrowed lanes.
– A9, Pyhrnautobahn: Roadworks between Trieben and Treglwang.
– A9, Pyhrnautobahn: Delays expected at the Bosruck toll station.
– A9, Pyhrnautobahn: Construction at the Spielfeld border crossing.
– S6, Semmering Schnellstraße: Construction between Leoben-Ost and Niklasdorf heading towards Bruck.
In Graz, significant delays are anticipated from Friday afternoon due to the southbound departure traffic. The following areas will be affected:
– Graz – Triester Straße: Construction zone.
– Graz – Kärntner Straße.
– Graz – Puntigamer Straße/Weblinger Gürtel.
– Graz – Liebenauer Hauptstraße.
– Graz – Joanneumring/Opern- und Burgring due to construction.
– Graz – Wiener Straße.
– Graz – Plüddemanngasse/St. Peter Hauptstraße/St. Peter Gürtel.
Travel Traffic in Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy
Border controls upon entry from Slovenia will remain in effect until 2024, leading to potential delays at the Spielfeld (A9) and Karawankentunnel (A11) borders. With Croatia’s accession to the Schengen Agreement, increased congestion can be expected at the Slovenian borders. Foreign police checks are anticipated throughout the summer months, particularly on weekends during peak travel times. Croatian travelers should brace for lengthy wait times.
Key congestion points abroad include:
– A22 (Italy) Brenner Autobahn, toll station in Sterzing.
– A4 (Italy) Autostrada linking Venice and Trieste.
– A1 (Slovenia) connecting Spielfeld and Maribor.
– A2/A4 border crossing at Macelj (Slovenia-Croatia), the primary gateway to Dalmatia – consider alternative routes via the Dubrava Krizovljanska border crossing.
– Border crossings at Kastel & Plovanija (Slovenia-Croatia), main entry points to Istria.
Strategies to Minimize Traffic Delays
While anticipating delays is crucial when driving south, travelers can take measures to avoid the longest queues:
– Avoid weekends: Fridays and Saturdays are peak travel days, with Sunday being a common return day. Consider traveling on alternate days (Monday through Thursday).
– Travel at night: Typically, there is less traffic during nighttime hours.
– Adhere to exit restrictions: Before departure, check for closed exits on transit routes (e.g., A10, Tauern Autobahn in Salzburg).
– Research construction zones: Most traffic jams occur in or near construction areas, so seek alternative routes.
By following these tips and staying informed about traffic conditions, travelers can navigate the Rückreiseverkehr weekend with minimal disruptions. Remember to plan ahead, stay patient, and prioritize safety on the road.