Heat damage forces lane restrictions on Germany's A45 and A485

Heat-related asphalt damage forced lane restrictions on two busy autobahn segments in Hesse on Monday, June 29, 2026, disrupting traffic on the A45 and A485.

The Autobahn GmbH said the A45 between Ehringshausen and the Wetzlarer Kreuz toward Frankfurt was reduced to one lane. The A485 between Schiffenberger Tal and Bergwerkswald toward Butzbach was also reduced to one lane.

According to the report, the damage was caused by high temperatures in recent days. Repairs were expected to be completed later in the day, with the restrictions likely lifted in the afternoon.

Traffic disruption in Hesse

The affected stretches sit in the greater Wetzlar-Giessen corridor, where both routes carry commuter and through traffic. Even small patches of heat-damaged asphalt can create immediate safety risks and force temporary lane closures until repairs are made.

The report was first published at 10:03:42 UTC and described the situation as a same-day traffic disruption rather than a longer closure.

What to watch

The main question after the initial announcement was whether both stretches would reopen by afternoon and whether the Autobahn GmbH would issue any further update on the damage or repair work. No longer-term closure was reported in the initial account.