Chaos on German autobahns as Google Maps wrongly says they’re closed

Drivers across Germany were left confused and frustrated this week after Google Maps incorrectly reported several major autobahns as closed, leading to unnecessary detours, traffic jams, and missed appointments.

According to multiple user complaints on social media, the app falsely indicated full closures on key sections of the A5, A3, and A9 highways. In reality, traffic was flowing as usual, with no incidents or planned construction to justify the alerts.

Germany’s Federal Highway Authority confirmed that no official closures were in effect at the locations flagged by Google Maps. “There appears to be a data error or miscommunication between third-party traffic providers and Google’s navigation system,” a spokesperson said. “We are in contact with the company to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

The problem began on Wednesday morning and escalated throughout the day, as commuters relied on the app’s real-time traffic data. In many cases, drivers were rerouted through small towns and rural roads, creating gridlock in areas not equipped to handle large volumes of traffic.

“I lost over an hour driving through back roads because Google told me the A3 was closed,” said one driver near Frankfurt. “There was absolutely no reason for the detour.”

Google has not issued a formal statement but acknowledged in a brief comment that it was “investigating reports of incorrect traffic alerts in parts of Germany.”

Transportation experts warn that the glitch highlights a growing reliance on GPS apps and the risks posed by inaccurate digital data. “People follow Google blindly, even when the road in front of them is open and clear,” said a logistics analyst in Berlin.

By Thursday afternoon, the issue appeared to be partially resolved, though users continued reporting isolated problems in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Authorities are urging drivers to double-check traffic conditions with official sources before changing routes.