A42 will be completely closed from Wednesday to Monday - there is a risk of traffic collapse!

A42 will be completely closed from Wednesday to Monday - there is a risk of traffic collapse!

The A42, also known as the Emscherschnellweg, will be a test of patience for drivers in North Rhine-Westphalia in the coming days. From Wednesday, October 1st, the motorway between Duisburg-Nord and Kamp-Lintfort will be completely closed from 9 p.m. to Monday, October 6th at 5 a.m. The reason for this comprehensive closure is urgently needed asphalt work, which represents the fourth major restriction on this route since August 2025. This reports Ruhr24.

The closure will have a particularly severe impact on rush hour traffic. Drivers should therefore allow more time or, if possible, switch to public transport. The diversions lead via the A59, A40 and A57. Previous reports already show that there were numerous traffic jams on the A42, for example between Oberhausen-Zentrum and Oberhausen-Buschhausen or between Gelsenkirchen-Zentrum and Gelsenkirchen-Heßler. Traffic jams of up to four kilometers were sometimes reported here stau.info reported.

Previous restrictions

The current construction site is part of a series of disruptions. On August 18th there was already a short-term closure between Herne-Crange and Herne-Baukau for traffic management work. Just a few days later, there was a five-day full closure for asphalt work between Duisburg-Nord and Kamp-Lintfort, while on September 13th only one lane in the direction of Dortmund was free.

The use of the A42 in particular has increased in recent weeks, with transport authorities highlighting the need for further work. There are currently further construction sites on other sections of the route, for example between Gelsenkirchen-Schalke and Gelsenkirchen-Zentrum. The left lane will be closed here on September 25th, which could further worsen the already difficult traffic situation.

Traffic in numbers

To better understand the increasing volume of traffic, it is worth taking a look at the numbers. The “Traffic in Numbers” report from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has been providing current figures and time series on mobility and traffic for over 50 years. Years of data on investments in infrastructure, accidents and emissions are valuablely documented here. Emissions and key figures in a European comparison can also be found in these comprehensive statistics, which are published annually the BMV with.

The upcoming asphalt work could be an unpleasant challenge for many, but it is necessary to improve road conditions in the long term. Drivers in the region should be prepared and adjust their travel plans accordingly.