Heatwave Damages German Autobahns with Concrete Blow-Ups

The summer 2026 heatwave in Germany has led to deformation of concrete road surfaces on several autobahns, especially on older, heavily trafficked sections that have undergone repeated repairs. The phenomenon, known as "blow-ups," occurs when concrete plates expand and lift, creating hazardous conditions for drivers, particularly motorcyclists. According to Germany's Federal Highway Authority, modern road construction is largely unaffected. Speed and lane restrictions have been imposed on multiple highways, including the A45 and A485, where traffic is limited to a single lane. Repairs are being carried out promptly, usually taking a short time, but due to the high number of damage spots, some sections may require several days of work. Serious damage was also observed on the A2 near Wollin. As of June 29, several sections, including parts of the A14 and A2, were fully closed for repairs.