A59 closure sparks outrage as traffic light delays worsen congestion fears

A botched rollout of traffic lights turns a routine highway closure into a regional crisis. Why are officials pointing fingers at Autobahn GmbH?

, and Administrator

2025 November 16 . 3:25 PM

1 min read

This picture is clicked on the road. tHere are vehicles moving on the road. Beside the road there... — This picture is clicked on the road. tHere are vehicles moving on the road. Beside the road there are buildings. There are lights and boards with text on the buildings. There are street lights in the image. At the top its is dark.

A59 closure sparks outrage as traffic light delays worsen congestion fears

The upcoming closure of the A59 in the direction of Leverkusen has sparked concern and disappointment from local authorities. Mayor Frank Schneider has expressed dissatisfaction with the initial coordination of preparatory measures.

From October 15, 2025, the A59 will be fully closed between Düsseldorf-South and Richrath interchange. The Autobahn GmbH, responsible for the renovation, will install signs before the holidays. However, light signals will not be activated until October 20, a decision that has drawn criticism from the Traffic Department. The department urged the Autobahn GmbH to install signs and light technology simultaneously.

To manage the closure, two companies have been commissioned to install and operate nine construction site light signals. This is part of a diversion concept aimed at minimising disruption. The renovation, led by the Autobahn GmbH on behalf of the road traffic authority, is expected to significantly impact the region over the next two years. From October 20, the closure will extend to the Monheim/Langenfeld interchange.

The A59 closure, starting October 15, will initially affect the stretch between Düsseldorf-South and Richrath. Light signals will be activated from October 20. The renovation project, lasting two years, is set to have a significant impact on the region.