German Autobahn

Police in Germany closed part of the A3 motorway after a woman drove the wrong way before making a U-turn in the resulting traffic jam. Officers also complained about rubberneckers, whose slowing down to look worsened congestion and complicated police work. Drivers were told to expect long delays while the incident was cleared.

German highways were built and maintained to double as military infrastructure during the Cold War, capable of being converted into emergency airstrips and used for rapid troop movements. The little-known dual role of the Autobahn network is drawing renewed attention online, with commenters noting how Cold War planning shaped everyday road design that remains visible today.

German news outlet tagesschau reports on what travellers in Baden-Württemberg need to know at the start of the autumn holidays, covering car journeys, flights and rail travel. With the school break beginning, drivers face busy autobahn routes while airports and train stations expect heavy demand, and the piece offers practical guidance for anyone setting off.