Heat damage closes Berlin highway section, causing long delays

A critical section of the A10 Autobahn, known as the Berliner Ring, remains closed between Potsdam-Nord and Spandau due to extensive heat damage. The closure, which began Friday evening, has resulted in substantial traffic congestion, with the Berlin traffic information center reporting queues extending over four kilometers from Leest to the Potsdam-Nord junction.

Police reported that many drivers, including holiday travelers, continued onto the A10 from the south towards Potsdam-Nord despite the closure, exacerbating the traffic jams and leading to long waiting times. Authorities are strongly recommending that drivers avoid this stretch of the A10 altogether, advising a wide detour from the Werder interchange towards the Havelland interchange. The opposing lanes of traffic are unaffected and remain open.

The damage is a direct consequence of the recent heatwave, which caused extreme expansion and cracking of the concrete road surface. Similar heat-related damage has been observed on other Brandenburg autobahns, including the A2, A13, A15, and A115.

Repairs are currently underway, and the A10 section is expected to reopen by Sunday evening at 8:00 PM. A detour route is in place starting from Potsdam-Nord. The closure is significantly impacting travel for those using the ring road around Berlin.

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Probably also many holidaymakers.