According to Autobahn GmbH, the motorway will be fully closed in both directions from Friday 20 February 2026, 22:00 (CET) to Monday 23 February, 05:00 (CET) on the stretch between Hamburg-Stellingen (J26) and Hamburg-Heimfeld (J32). Access ramps will be closed in stages ahead of the full shutdown.
Official diversion for through traffic: A1 – A21 – B205
Autobahn GmbH and ADAC are directing long-distance traffic onto a wide detour via A1, A21 and B205.
- Northbound (towards Denmark/Kiel): leave the A7 and follow the signed diversion via A1 → A21 → B205, rejoining the A7 near Neumünster-Süd.
- Southbound (towards Hanover/Ruhr/southern Germany): follow the signed diversion back via B205 → A21 → A1, rejoining the A7 further south.
Within Hamburg, traffic will be pushed onto Elbe bridges, where congestion is also expected.
Elbe Tunnel closure: these are the diversion routes for both directions
Source: ADAC e.V.
High impact for oversize and heavy haulage
The 55-hour shutdown is especially problematic for oversize and heavy transports, because approved routings are interrupted and alternatives may require new permissions and scheduling. Operators running time-critical project cargo should plan to reroute or shift departure slots outside the closure window.
Strike action adds extra uncertainty
Alongside the construction closure, the Verdi union is calling for warning strikes affecting the Elbe Tunnel control centre on 20 and 23 February, with lane restrictions expected under an emergency service agreement. The action is linked to collective bargaining for around 14,000 employees: Verdi is demanding 7% more pay, with a minimum increase of €300 per month (12-month term), while criticising an employer proposal described as a longer term without a minimum amount.
More weekend closures scheduled in 2026
The February shutdown is part of a wider programme. Seven 55-hour full closures are planned in 2026, with July and August excluded, making this a recurring risk for Scandinavian–Germany transit planning and Port of Hamburg runs.
The published dates include:
- 20–23 March
- 17–20 April
- 8–11 May
- 12–15 June
- 11–14 September
- 25–28 September
Autobahn GmbH has also flagged a separate full closure of the Schnelsen Tunnel towards the end of June (without an Elbe Tunnel closure).
Why it matters internationally
The A7 is Germany’s main north–south motorway and a key route for transit flows between Denmark/Scandinavia and central/southern Germany, while Hamburg is also a major logistics hub. Even short closures around the Elbe crossing can quickly translate into longer journey times, missed delivery slots, and knock-on effects for fleet planning on time-sensitive international routes.
Haulier checklist (practical):
- Avoid routing via Hamburg on the A7 during the closure window; use the signed long-distance diversion.
- Expect congestion on diversion corridors and on Hamburg’s Elbe bridges.
- Oversize/heavy: verify whether permits/routings remain valid; reschedule if needed.
