Commencement of Holidays in NRW: Congested Highways, Trains, and Airports

Increased Traffic During NRW Vacation: Congested Highways, Trains, and Airports - Commencement of Holidays in NRW: Congested Highways, Trains, and Airports

As the first wave of summer holidays approaches in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), travellers are advised to prepare for increased passenger volumes and potential congestion on roads, trains, and at airports. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smoother journey:

### Motorways

Drivers should be aware of ongoing construction on the A40 motorway near Dortmund, which may affect travel routes to Dortmund Airport. The B1 federal road is being widened from four to six lanes over 9.5 km near Sölde, resulting in potential delays or slower traffic in this area. Consider alternative routes or extra travel time to avoid any inconvenience.

### Trains

While specific train disruption details for the holiday period are not yet available, travellers should expect increased passenger volumes during the first wave of summer holidays in NRW. It's advisable to book tickets early and check for the latest schedule updates or potential engineering works typical during summer.

### Airports

Cologne/Bonn Airport expects the largest wave of travellers this year, with approximately 1.76 million passengers over six and a half weeks. The busiest period will be the fourth weekend of the holidays in early August, with around 118,000 travellers, peaking on August 8 with 41,000 departures and arrivals. Popular destinations flown from Cologne/Bonn include Antalya, Palma de Mallorca, Istanbul, Vienna, London, and Barcelona.

To cope with the high passenger volumes, the airport has expanded its amenities with new restaurants and shops. They also recommend early arrival times and offer a free booking system for time slots at the security checkpoint. Dortmund Airport also reports growth in passenger numbers and new routes, but travellers should be aware of the motorway construction around Dortmund that might affect airport access.

### General Travel Tips

- Plan ahead and allow extra time for travelling due to higher traffic volumes on roads and busy airport terminals. - Book parking and tickets online where possible, especially for air travel, to avoid last-minute complications. - Stay informed about any roadworks or transport service updates via official channels. - Consider travel during off-peak times on less busy days if flexibility allows, to avoid the busiest travel days such as the start and peak weekends of the holidays.

During summer holiday travel, it is advisable to book train tickets in advance to secure seats and avoid long queues. More than half of the passengers at Düsseldorf Airport can now use the option to check in their luggage without queuing at the counter.

For families with children, it's important to have enough drinks and take regular breaks with plenty of movement during summer holiday travel. Navigation systems often suggest alternative routes, but the predicted time savings are usually only a few minutes. On main routes to the coast, there may be heavy congestion during summer holiday travel.

The ADAC recommends starting summer holiday travel on a Monday or Tuesday, as the demand peaks are usually not as high at the end of the holidays, with the return travel being spread over several weekends. They also advise leaving early in the morning or late in the evening during peak travel times.

These measures will help travellers navigate the first wave of summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia more comfortably and efficiently. On Friday afternoons, there is usually a high risk of traffic jams due to commuters and holidaymakers travelling at the same time. Leaving the motorway to drive on country roads during traffic jams rarely brings any advantage. Düsseldorf Airport expects more than 220,000 flight passengers for the first holiday weekend, including Friday.

It only makes sense to leave the motorway during traffic jams of more than ten kilometers or in case of a complete closure, according to the ADAC. During the weekends of the holiday season, there are more passengers on the trains than usual. Some train operators may offer special holiday services with additional carriages, but these services can be busy and may still require advance booking. Passengers should inform themselves about the occupancy display on bahn.de and in the DB Navigator app and always reserve a seat.

The situation on the alternative route quickly deteriorates during summer holiday travel. The highest demand for train travel is recorded at the beginning of the holidays. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the summer holidays are starting, with many families planning travel. Stay safe and enjoy your holiday!

1. The Commission, with regards to the increased travel during the summer holidays, might consider adopting a proposal for a directive in the finance sector to protect workers in the automotive industry and public-transit sector from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation due to high passenger volumes.
2. For families planning to travel by motorway during the summer holidays, it is important to stay updated on the weather forecast as heavy rain or fog could potentially cause congestion, affecting travel plans.
3. While booking train tickets is advisable for the summer holidays, travellers might also consider alternative modes of transport such as travel by air or lifestyle choices like staying at a vacation home or renting a car for the period to avoid the increased passenger volumes on trains.
4. As travellers explore new destinations during their summer holidays, they might find an interest in the local industry, such as the tourism or art industry, providing a unique insight into the local culture and lifestyle.

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