Germany’s Rahmedetalbrücke opens early—before Christmas traffic rush

A holiday surprise for German drivers: the Rahmedetalbrücke’s first watch is ready months early. Could this ease festive traffic chaos before year’s end?

, and Administrator

2025 December 27 . 6:18 PM

1 min read

In this image we can see vehicles on the bridge. In the background there are lights, poles, hills... — In this image we can see vehicles on the bridge. In the background there are lights, poles, hills and sky.

Germany’s Rahmedetalbrücke opens early—before Christmas traffic rush

Germany’s Federal Transport Ministry has announced the early completion of the first watch of the Rahmedetalbrücke on the A45 near Lüdenscheid. The bridge, originally set to open in February 2026, is now ready before the end of the year—raising hopes for an opening before Christmas. Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder confirmed the bridge’s completion. The first structure, built for Frankfurt-bound traffic, was finished ahead of schedule. This progress allows for a possible opening before the holiday season. For now, drivers will use two narrowed lanes on the newly completed watch. Construction on the second watch, for the opposite direction, will carry on alongside. Friedrich Merz had earlier announced the milestone, highlighting the project’s faster-than-expected pace. The ministry’s statement reaffirmed that the remaining work remains on track while the first watch enters service soon. The early finish means the Rahmedetalbrücke could open weeks before its planned February 2026 date. Traffic will initially share the first watch in a temporary setup. Meanwhile, work on the second structure continues as scheduled.