Traffic nightmare in Cologne: construction sites cause traffic jams that last for hours!

Traffic nightmare in Cologne: construction sites cause traffic jams that last for hours!

In the cathedral city of Cologne, drivers are currently facing challenges that await them in the coming weeks when traveling on the A57 and A1 motorways. From July 16, 2025, 10:00 p.m. to September 11, 2025, midnight, the A57 will be completely or partially closed in several sections, which means increased traffic and traffic jams can be expected. This measure particularly affects the areas of Ehrenfeld and Ossendorf [news.de](https://www.news.de/auto/858751996/verkehrsmelde-nw-koeln-zur-verkehrsstoerung-wegen-sperrung-baustelle-von-1 6-07-2025-to-11-09-2025-restrictions-in-traffic-north-rhine-westphalia-danger of traffic jams-in-ehrenfeld-chorweiler-on-a57-a1/1/) reported.

Above all, the maximum passage width of only 3.25 m means that many trucks and current long-distance drivers have to avoid the section. Increased traffic jams are therefore to be expected, especially in the period from July 16th to 26th, 2025. The junctions between Cologne-Nord and Cologne-Niehl on the A1 are particularly affected and will also be closed in several phases.

Current traffic situation

Current traffic reports are already showing the first traffic jams on the A57. Today, July 18, 2025, there was a one-kilometer traffic jam between Krefeld-Zentrum and Krefeld-Oppum as well as further backlogs in the direction of Cologne. According to reports, there were also extensive traffic disruptions caused by several construction sites in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Numerous traffic jams have been reported, particularly on the A1, after the construction sites were uncovered. In almost every direction, the traffic-related portals show a large number of traffic jams and there are warned road users.

As stau.info also reports, there are currently several kilometers of traffic jams between Krefeld and Cologne, which vary depending on the time and traffic situation. Drivers may have to expect longer travel times.

Special messages and diversions

In addition to the construction sites on the A57 already mentioned, bottlenecks on other motorways in the Cologne area cannot be overlooked. The ADAC states in its reports that, among other things, the A3 between Siegburg and Königswinter will not be fully usable until the beginning of October 2025. In addition, full closures for urgently necessary work were announced on the A4 from Friday, July 18th, 10 p.m. to Monday, July 21st, 5 a.m.

Good planning is therefore essential for travelers if they want to avoid the strain of traffic jams as much as possible. Local diversions are signposted and should ideally be used to ensure the journey goes as smoothly as possible.

The measures will certainly contribute to improving the transport infrastructure in the region, but drivers should be aware that the entire traffic cycle has a significant impact on their travel speed.