Hamburg Braces for Major Traffic Disruption as A7 Closure Looms
Motorists in and around Hamburg are facing significant travel challenges as a full closure of the A7 motorway is set to begin this evening, February 20, 2026, and continue until Monday morning. The closure, spanning from 10:00 PM CET Friday to 5:00 AM CET Monday, impacts a key north-south transportation corridor, and is compounded by planned warning strikes affecting the Elbe Tunnel control center.
The Autobahn GmbH is closing the A7 in both directions between the Hamburg-Stellingen (J26) and Hamburg-Heimfeld (J32) interchanges, including the Elbe Tunnel. Access ramps will be progressively closed starting at 9:00 PM CET Friday. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area and are recommending extensive detours via the A1, A21, and B205 for through traffic.
For northbound traffic heading towards Denmark/Kiel, the recommended diversion involves exiting the A7 and following the A1 towards Lübeck, then switching to the A21 towards Kiel, and continuing via the B205 to rejoin the A7 near Neumünster-Süd. Southbound drivers towards Hanover/Ruhr/southern Germany will follow the reverse route: exiting at Neumünster-Süd, taking the B205, then the A21, A1, and rejoining the A7 further south.
The closure is necessary for the installation of three new overhead traffic sign structures, which will be lifted into place using large cranes. Work will also continue on the construction of a noise protection tunnel in Altona.
Strike Action Adds to Congestion
Adding to the traffic woes, the Verdi union has called for warning strikes at the Elbe Tunnel control center, beginning this morning, February 20, 2026, and continuing until Tuesday morning. These strikes will result in the closure of one lane in each direction, reducing capacity within the tunnel from the usual three lanes to two during peak hours. Verdi is demanding a 7% pay increase, with a minimum increase of €300 per month, criticizing what they describe as an insufficient employer proposal.
Authorities are advising commuters to consider using public transportation. The police are recommending that drivers avoid the area entirely. Significant delays are expected not only on the A7 but also on the detour routes, and within Hamburg itself as traffic is diverted onto the Elbe bridges.
Widespread Closures Planned Throughout 2026
This weekend’s closure is part of a larger program of works on the A7, which includes expanding the motorway to eight lanes and connecting it to the A26. A series of similar 55-hour closures are scheduled throughout 2026, including dates in March, April, May, June, and September. These closures will impact both the Elbe Tunnel and other sections of the A7.
Specifically, planned closures include:
- February 20-23, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (including work on the Altona deck and tunnel control center)
- March 20-23, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (work on the Altona deck and tunnel control center)
- April 17-20, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (work on the Altona deck and tunnel control center)
- May 8-11, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (work on the Altona deck)
- June 12-15, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (integration of the Schnelsen Tunnel control center – excluding the Elbe Tunnel)
- September 11-14, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (work on the Altona deck and tunnel control center)
- September 25-28, 2026: 55-hour A7 closure (work on the K20 high-level section)
Large and heavy transport vehicles are particularly affected by the closures, as approved routes are disrupted and alternative routes may require new permits and scheduling adjustments. Bus lines 150, 250, and 611 will also be rerouted via the Elbe bridges.
The A7 is Germany’s most important north–south corridor, carrying over 130,000 vehicles per day in some sections. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and expect significant delays.
