Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the closure of the A45.
Why and on which section is the A45 closed?
The A45 has been fully closed to all traffic between the Lüdenscheid-Nord and Lüdenscheid-Süd slip roads since the beginning of December 2021. During an inspection, the federal government's Autobahn GmbH discovered damage to the Rahmedetal bridge. This affected the supporting structure and the bridge was immediately closed for safety reasons.
How long will the closure last?
As the old bridge has to be demolished and a new structure planned and built, it is difficult to predict how long the A45 will be closed at this point. The federal government's Autobahn GmbH reports: "Planning for the new replacement structure is currently running at full speed. An acceleration of the approval procedure is also being examined". Federal Transport Minister Wissing has also announced that it will be possible to speed up and shorten the processes. Numerous initiatives support this with their statements, emphasizing the importance of the route for the people, the economy and tourism in the region.
What impact will this have and who will be affected?
The A45 is one of the most important highway routes leading from the Ruhrgebiet and the Frankfurt area to the Sauerland. Also known as the "Sauerland line", it is often referred to as the region's lifeline. With the closure of the Rahmedetal bridge, this traffic artery will be temporarily interrupted at a crucial point. Long-distance traffic will be diverted over a wide area via other highways, while traffic heading directly to the western and southern Sauerland will be diverted via federal highways and through the towns, primarily through Lüdenscheid. This will affect everyone who normally relies on fast transport connections: commuters, companies, freight forwarders, the entire economy. But also guests, who may now have to accept a longer journey by car, as well as the hosts and excursion destinations, who fear and observe that fewer people are coming to visit. And, of course, the people in the Sauerland towns and villages who are affected by the increased detour traffic.
Will I no longer be able to come to the Sauerland?
Of course, it is still possible to travel to the Sauerland - even by car. From a distance, traffic will be diverted via the A1, A3 and A46 highways. In the Lüdenscheid area, it will be routed via detour through the Lüdenscheid urban area. Those responsible are monitoring the traffic flows very closely and are constantly trying to make adjustments. However, you can also reach most places via the dense network of federal and country roads. This hardly takes any longer and you can expect a varied landscape, great views and lots of nature along the way.
Guests can also travel to the western and southern Sauerland by public transport. The Ruhr-Sieg-Express RE16 and the regional trains RB 25, RB 40 and RB 91 provide access to this part of the region between Hagen and Siegen, including via the stations of Hagen, Iserlohn, Altena, Werdohl, Plettenberg, Finnentrop, Lennestadt, Kirchhundem, Meinerzhagen, Kierspe, Lüdenscheid and Lüdenscheid.
How can I plan my journey by car using alternative routes?
You can plan alternative routes for your journey by car on a daily basis via the website of the NRW traffic center. In addition to information on closures and traffic restrictions, the route planner also calculates rail connections and even a cycle route as an alternative travel option.
What can I experience in the western and southern Sauerland?
The western and southern Sauerland - or, in other words, the Märkischer Kreis and Olpe district - are full of experiences and vacation highlights. These include hiking and cycling trails as well as excursion destinations, comfortable accommodation and appealing gastronomy. All of this is presented in detail on the Sauerland Tourism website. Here are a few examples to get you in the mood: Lüdenscheid with the Phänomenta hands-on technology museum, Altena with the castle and the adventure elevator, Plettenberg with the AquaMagis adventure pool, the Volme and Hönnetal valleys with numerous nature experience locations, the Biggesee with its offers between Olpe and Attendorn, Finnentrop with the LennePark, Lennestadt with the Elspe Festival, Kirchhundem with the PanoramaPark, and, and, and....