Hitzechaos on the A5: asphalt melts and the traffic stands still!

Hitzechaos on the A5: asphalt melts and the traffic stands still!

The current heat wave in Hesse causes significant problems on the streets, as the latest event on the A5 near Bensheim shows impressively. On July 12, 2025, the road towards south was fully blocked due to asphalt deformations. Attentive road users noticed the dangerous situation when a car was damaged when driving over a deformed area. According to the police, the damage is due to the extreme temperatures that have been reached on the hottest day of the year, just below 40 degrees Celsius. Due to these conditions between Zwingenberg and Bensheim, the road had to be closed from Wednesday to Friday.

After intensive repair work, which included the rising of the road at over five meters and the exchange of the asphalt, the route could be released again on Friday at 10 a.m. The measures were urgently needed because concrete slabs had arched under the asphalt ceiling. This led to a backlog of several kilometers, which was only able to drain after around four hours. A craftsman was able to help flattened the bulge at short notice, but his use ended with a visit to the hospital due to heat problems.

safety warnings before heat damage

The effects of the heat not only affect the A5 in Bensheim. Experts from the insurance industry generally warn of heat damage on German roads, especially in older concrete lane ceilings. The overall association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) warns that so-called "blow-ups" can occur suddenly and unexpectedly and thus represent a great danger for drivers and motorcyclists. Especially in the coming months, if the temperatures could shoot up again, the insurance industry considers it important that drivers are driving forward on hot days and are aware of the risks.

There is also positive progress in the support of road users during the heat period. For example, 700 liters of cool drinks were distributed to people in the traffic jam. A pregnant woman also received help in good time and was taken to the hospital. Another accident participant suffered a circulatory collapse, but was supplied. In some cases, even rescue alleys were formed to facilitate traffic.

risk factors on German roads

Especially at temperatures above 30 degrees, heat damage is to be expected. The risk of arches or rampages should not be underestimated, and vehicle damage due to such heat -related road damage is usually only covered by fully comprehensive insurance. Responsibility can only apply to motorway or road masters in exceptional cases if it can be proven that they have not fulfilled their obligation to ensure traffic safety.

The situation in Bensheim and the warning voices of the experts make it clear that quick action is required in extreme weather conditions. Whether road users remain careful or the road construction deals more innovative with climatic stress - the coming weeks could be crucial.

The damage on the A5 and the general warning of the insurance industry are only the tip of the iceberg. It remains to be seen whether the situation can relax.

As reported, you can find more information on this topic at www.op-online.de, www.tagesschau.de and www.n-tv.de.