Speed restrictions on the German Autobahn occur due to heat conditions
In a bid to protect drivers and prevent potential hazards, some sections of Germany's Autobahn have implemented temporary speed limits. These measures are in response to the age, condition, and high volume of traffic on the motorways, which were not built to withstand the sustained high temperatures that Germany is experiencing regularly.
Currently, the speed limits on these affected roadways have been reduced to 120 km/h (74 mph) for most cars and 80 km/h (49 mph) for motorbikes. These restrictions are designed to mitigate the risk of asphalt cracking and lifting due to high temperatures, particularly on older or heavily trafficked sections of the motorway.
Germany's Autobahn GmbH, the organisation responsible for managing and maintaining the country's motorway networks, has taken these steps to ensure safety. The speed limits are indicated by road signs, making it clear where the restrictions are in place.
These temporary speed limits are not a new concept, but they have only been implemented for short periods and in extremely hot temperatures in the past. For instance, last year, the A7 motorway introduced speed limits between Feuchtwangen-West to Aalen/Oberkochen from mid-August to mid-September.
Earlier this summer, Hesse in central Germany was affected with parts of the A5 motorway lifting and cracking as temperatures hit 39C. In response, temporary speed limits have been put in place on some motorway sections in southern Germany until September. The affected motorways include the A3, A93, and A92, with specific sections from Deggendorf Autobahn interchange to Hengersberg interchange, Saalhaupt triangle to Elsendorf interchange, Oberschleißheim interchange to Eching-Ost interchange, Freising-Süd interchange to Freising-Ost interchange, and Landshut-West interchange to Dingolfing-Ost interchange.
It's worth noting that the current federal government agreed not to introduce a maximum speed on the Autobahn earlier this year. While there are no binding speed limits on motorways in Germany, the recommended limit is 130 km/h. However, the Christian Union parties (CDU/CSU) blocked the Social Democrats (SPD) who had pushed for a limit of 130 km/h on certain motorways.
As temperatures in southern Germany are forecast to climb to 38C by the middle of the week, these temporary speed limits are expected to remain in place. It's a reminder that extreme heat can have unforeseen consequences, including asphalt damage on motorways, which can lead to 'blow-ups' - a potential danger where high temperatures can cause parts of the road to suddenly buckle.
School closures and rail chaos can occur when Germany is hit by extreme heat, as mentioned in a separate article titled "School closures to rail chaos - What happens when Germany is hit by extreme heat". As we navigate these challenging weather conditions, it's crucial to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to ensure everyone's wellbeing.
In light of the ongoing climate-change-induced high temperatures, environmental-science experts have noted that weather-forecasting plays a crucial role in predicting and preparing for potential asphalt damage on motorways, such as the A3, A93, and A92 in southern Germany. This data can enable organizations like Germany's Autobahn GmbH to implement temporary speed limits promptly, reducing the risk of 'blow-ups' and ensuring the safety of drivers during extreme heating conditions.
