A7 Elbmarsch Elevated Road Nears Completion in Hamburg
Hamburg, January 28 – The 4.2-kilometer-long Elbmarsch elevated road, Germany’s longest road bridge located on the A7 motorway south of the Elbe Tunnel between Waltershof and Hausbruch, is set to be completed this year. After six years of widening work, the construction is expected to conclude in October, bringing an end to the frequent lane shifts, 60 km/h speed limits, and traffic jams that have plagued commuters.
Sebastian Haß from DEGES, the autobahn planning company, stated, “We currently expect overall completion around October. I believe this will be a great moment for many Hamburg residents after many years.”
Eight Full Weekend Closures Still Ahead
The original A7 planners in 1970 demonstrated remarkable foresight, leaving ample space between the two parallel, four-kilometer-long concrete bridges. This foresight allowed for the integration of two additional lanes without the need for hundreds of new concrete supports.
However, before the October opening, motorists will need to endure eight more full weekend closures of the A7. Seven of these closures will affect the Elbe Tunnel itself, adding to the traffic challenges faced by residents.
A7 Widening to Eight Lanes
Once completed, the A7 in this section will boast eight continuous lanes, two more than its previous configuration. This expansion is anticipated to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in one of Hamburg’s busiest transport corridors.
The project has been a major undertaking, and its completion is expected to bring considerable relief to daily commuters and freight traffic alike. The widening of this critical section of the A7 is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance Germany’s autobahn network.
Morning Stau Due to Cleaning Work
Earlier today, the A7 southbound experienced a long traffic jam due to cleaning work. The question of whether such work could have been carried out at night to minimize disruption was raised, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing construction and maintenance on such a vital route.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90.3 as part of “NDR 90.3 Aktuell” on January 28, 2026, at 6:00 AM.
Other news from Hamburg includes FC St. Pauli’s late point gain against Leipzig in the Bundesliga, a mixed balance in social housing construction in Hamburg where the target of 3,000 subsidized new homes was missed despite being called a “record result” by Senator Pein, and additional A7 closures planned for 2026, with seven out of eight affecting the Elbe Tunnel.
The completion of the Elbmarsch elevated road marks a significant milestone in Hamburg’s infrastructure development, promising a smoother and more efficient commute for thousands of drivers.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/a7-in-hamburg-hochstrasse-elbmarsch-vor-fertigstellung,hochstrasse-100.html
