Series of accidents after the Schemelsberg tunnel closure: What drivers need to know!

The Schemelsberg Tunnel near Weinsberg has been closed since the beginning of January 2025 due to extensive construction work. This measure led to the establishment of a diversion route between Weinsberg and Erlenbach. The closure results from work that has been ongoing since November 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.

In the first week after the closure there were already six accidents on the diversion route, in which four people were injured. According to the police's findings, all accidents can be attributed to disregard for traffic control. The latest serious incident occurred on Wednesday when a 30-year-old driver ignored a stop sign and collided with another vehicle. In this accident, a 58-year-old man was seriously injured and had to be extricated from the vehicle for two hours.

Traffic measures and fines

The police rate the junction as unproblematic and emphasize that the signs and markings are clear. Nevertheless, the wide expansion of the road caused misunderstandings among road users. To prevent future accidents, a speed limit of 30 km/h was introduced. The police expect this measure to improve road safety, especially since checks are carried out at the stop sign every working day. Violations of the stop sign are punished with a fine of at least 70 euros and one point in Flensburg. In the event of an accident, the fine can increase to at least 85 euros, and one point is also awarded in Flensburg.

In addition, since the closure, drivers have been required to form an emergency lane in traffic jams. Failure to comply with this rule may also result in penalties.

From a previous report it became clear that the full closure of the Schemelsberg Tunnel began on June 10, 2025 and was initially scheduled to last until June 26, 2025, 6 p.m. The reason for the closure is to create a cross passage to the tunnel.

The construction work and the associated traffic measures pose a challenge for road users, but rush hour traffic after the holidays went ahead without the feared chaos SWR reported. Another source, Echo24, announced that the full lockdown may end sooner than originally planned.