Anticipates Heavy Traffic Congestion During Ascension Weekend, According to ADAC - Heavy traffic anticipated during Ascension weekend based on ADAC's forecasts
Ascension Weekend Approaches, ADAC Warns of Heavy Traffic and Congestion in North Rhine-Westphalia
Motorists should prepare for potential traffic nightmares and prolonged congestion commencing Wednesday, as the long Ascension weekend begins, according to ADAC. Last year, Ascension eve recorded 779 congestion hours, ranking among the top ten most congested days of the year, as stated by theauto club.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, there are approximately 700 ongoing construction sites that may contribute to delays, with areas featuring reduced lanes posing a significant risk of traffic congestion. Roman Suthold, head of traffic and environment at ADAC North Rhine, anticipates that the motorways surrounding Cologne and the Ruhr region will be severely impacted due to the high volume of traffic and multiple construction sites.
The anticipated highest traffic volumes are expected to occur on Wednesday between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when rush-hour commuters and vacation travelers coincide. Motorists departing later in the evening or on Thursday are likely to reach their destinations sooner and more relaxed.
On Sunday afternoon, the return traffic is anticipated to create heavy traffic once more; however, since there are no rush-hour commuters at that time, Mr. Suthold expects fewer congestion hours than at the beginning of the long weekend.
It is worth noting that deviating from a motorway congestion via a country road generally does not provide an advantage, according to ADAC. Detour routes can become congested as well, making it unwise to exit the motorway unless encountering congestion of over ten kilometers or a complete closure.
During the Ascension weekend in North Rhine-Westphalia, drivers are advised to implement some strategies to avoid traffic congestion:
- Plan Ahead and Utilize Real-Time Traffic Updates
- By using navigation apps such as Google Maps, Waze, or local services like ADAC Traffic, drivers can receive real-time updates on road conditions and congestion.
- Keep aware of congestion hotspots, especially in popular celebration locations like AquaMagica in Löhne, the Werre cycle and footpath, and moorland roads near Hücker Moor in Spenge.
- Avoid Peak Times and Celebrate Early or Late
- Traveling before the main rush hours or after the main events conclude can help motorists avoid traffic congestion.
- Employ Alternative Routes and Public Transport
- Using public transportation can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and alleviate parking stress.
- Opting for cycling or walking, particularly for shorter distances, can help avoid traffic and contribute to enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
- Stay Informed About Local Restrictions
- Some roads may be closed or restricted due to local festivities, so drivers should check news sources or official police websites for updates.
- In event areas such as AquaMagica, specific rules regarding alcohol consumption and controlled entry may be implemented, which could impact access and parking availability.
By preemptively planning and staying informed, drivers can navigate North Rhine-Westphalia more seamlessly during Ascension weekend.
Community policy regarding alternate routes and public transportation should be considered to alleviate traffic congestion during the Ascension weekend in North Rhine-Westphalia. Industry, finance, and transportation sectors may also be affected by the increased volume of traffic and should adopt flexible employment policies to accommodate delays.
