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A43 closure: traffic chaos due to bridge demolition in the Ruhr area!
Bochum: A43 between Recklinghausen and Bochum closed until July 7th. Bridge demolition and expansion work in the region.
A43 closure: traffic chaos due to bridge demolition in the Ruhr area!
There are currently major reconstruction measures on the transport market in North Rhine-Westphalia, which also affect the A43. The expansion to six lanes will continue, which is necessary to cope with the ever-increasing traffic volume. The A43 between the Recklinghausen and Bochum intersections is currently closed in both directions until Monday, July 7th. This extensive closure, which began on Friday evening, June 27, at 9 p.m., is necessary to demolish two smaller bridges and make preparations for the partial demolition and construction of two additional bridges, as WDR reports.
During this time, traffic routing will be extensively rebuilt and a barrier system will also be maintained. Diversions have been set up for road users, with the A45 considered the best alternative. Long-distance road users are encouraged to avoid the region as far as possible in order to relieve pressure on the affected routes. Increased traffic volumes are also expected on the diversions (A40, A45, A42) and on inner-city streets.
High traffic and disruptions
The Herne junction, which handles over 100,000 vehicles daily, is an important traffic artery in the Ruhr area and could be particularly affected during this construction work. There are already numerous reports of traffic jams and traffic disruptions on the A43. On June 27th, among other things, traffic jams were reported between the Bochum intersection and Bochum-Riemke as well as between the Recklinghausen intersection and Recklinghausen-Hochlarmark, as Stau.info notes.
The traffic disruptions are not limited to the A43 either. Due to the closures and diversions, there are fears that traffic will build up in the region. Finally, current statistics from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) show that traffic density in North Rhine-Westphalia has increased steadily over the years. These developments are documented in the annually published handbook “Traffic in Numbers”, which has been used to analyze and plan traffic structures for over 40 years. The latest edition of the handbook has been available since February 2025, with comprehensive information on the traffic situation in Germany and the EU, as can be read on the KBA website.
The new tunnel, known as the Baukau Tunnel, which connects the A43 towards Münster with the A42 towards Oberhausen, will also be built as part of the expansion. These projects are part of long-term planning to improve transport infrastructure that responds to market needs and challenges.