On April 1, 2025, a major renovation of the D8 motorway in the Czech Republic near the German border will begin and last until October 8. The two mountain tunnels, Panenská and Libouchec, will undergo a general overhaul. During the entire construction period, traffic will be conducted in a single-tube, 1+1 system, reports the De8.cz portal.
In addition, there will be three complete closures of the two tunnels for almost a week each on the following dates:
- April 1-8, 2025
- July 2-8, 2025
- October 2-8, 2025
Source: De8.cz
Detours and impacts on transit traffic
Because the tunnels run through a mountainous region, there are no direct diversion routes. Traffic is therefore routed via two main transit routes:
- Towards Dresden: Detour via Route 248 via Telnice and Nakléřov. This route features numerous climbs and tight curves, especially at the Nakléřov Pass. Older and heavily loaded vehicles may reach their limits here.
- Towards Prague: Traffic is diverted back to the D8 via Petrovice, Tisá, and a steep descent to Libouchec. This route requires special attention to vehicle braking systems.
Given the daily traffic volume of up to 60,000 vehicles, significant congestion is expected in both directions , particularly on uphill and downhill gradients.
Recommendations for international truck transit
International freight drivers are advised to use alternative routes via other border crossings, especially during full tunnel closures. Recommended alternatives include:
- Border crossing Hora Sv. Šebestiána – Reitzenhain
- Rumburk-Neugersdorf border crossing
Source: De8.cz
It is recommended to use these alternatives from Prague to avoid additional strain on the D8 diversion routes. Further traffic disruptions are expected due to construction work on the D8 between kilometers 48-52 and 69-83 in the summer,” writes De8.cz.
Source: De8.cz