Anticipated Traffic Jams During Autumn Holidays
As the autumn holidays commence in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, travelers are advised to prepare for significant traffic congestion on the motorways. Experts predict that the busiest days will be Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, coinciding with All Saints Day. Holger Bach, head of the traffic and environment department at ADAC Württemberg, warns of a high risk of traffic jams, especially on major routes such as the A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, and A95/B2. Last year, the Friday before the autumn holidays recorded the highest traffic jams of the week.
In addition to heavy traffic, construction sites on various routes, including the Westautobahn and the Brenner motorway in Austria, may further complicate travel plans. Notably, the Arlberg tunnel will be closed until November 22, and the Mont Blanc tunnel has been shut since early September, affecting cross-border travel.
Bison Futé's Forecast for France
In France, Bison Futé has also issued a warning for heavy traffic on Friday, October 25, particularly in the North-East region and along the Mediterranean coast. The A25, A31, and A35 are expected to experience significant congestion, while in Île-de-France, the A10 and A6 motorways will see heavy traffic from the late morning onward. The situation is expected to worsen in the afternoon as commuters add to the congestion.
Despite the busy Friday, Bison Futé predicts a generally calm weekend, with normal traffic levels returning on Saturday and Sunday, although some congestion may persist in Île-de-France.
Travel Tips and Precautions
Travelers should account for potential delays due to weather conditions, such as fog, which can severely limit visibility. The ADAC advises using winter tires only when driving to higher altitudes in the Alps. Additionally, border controls may lead to longer waiting times, although efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to commuter and travel traffic. With both regions facing challenging traffic conditions, planning extra travel time and staying informed about road conditions will be crucial for a smooth journey.
