The closure affects the northbound lanes toward Nuremberg and is part of a precautionary safety measure linked to ongoing construction work in the area.
Suspicion of Unexploded Bombs Halts Construction
Construction along the A9 near Ingolstadt has already caused significant delays for drivers. Now, a new concern has emerged: unexploded wartime ordnance. According to a spokesperson for Autobahn GmbH of the Federal Government, Southern Bavaria branch, suspicions were raised late last week after aerial analysis and ground assessments revealed a potentially hazardous object within the construction zone between Ingolstadt and Lenting.
Since the alert, all construction activities in that section have been paused. On Monday night, a specialized munitions disposal team will conduct a detailed underground scan using radar technology capable of detecting anomalies up to 2.5 meters deep.
Past Discoveries Prompt Renewed Caution
Before the current construction phase began — specifically between Ingolstadt-Nord and Stammham — the area had already undergone a full munitions survey and clearance. The region was a known target during World War II, and earlier examinations uncovered fragments of bombs and shells.
However, with the construction site now being expanded to accommodate new storage zones and logistics areas, additional munitions inspections have become necessary. This precaution follows standard safety protocols for areas with wartime history.
Radar Scanning Triggered by Aerial Photo Analysis
The munitions clearance team first carried out a historical-geophysical investigation. This included analyzing post-war aerial photographs, one of which showed a visible bomb crater and an unclear object nearby. The ambiguous nature of the object — possibly a shadow, natural debris, or an unexploded bomb — triggered the need for advanced radar scanning.
To carry out this detailed inspection safely, a temporary closure of the motorway is unavoidable.
Nighttime Closure and Detour Information
The closure begins at 9:30 p.m. on Monday and is expected to last until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday. Traffic will be diverted at the Ingolstadt-Ost exit and rerouted through Großmehring and Kösching, rejoining the A9 at the Lenting junction.
Autobahn GmbH urges all drivers to follow the marked detour signs and not rely on GPS navigation, which may suggest unsuitable alternate routes.
Extension Possible if Delays Occur
Should weather or technical issues interfere with the radar scanning, the closure may be extended into the following night (Tuesday to Wednesday). In the event that an actual unexploded device is discovered, further coordinated action with police and bomb disposal units would be required.
The closure is a preventive safety measure only, emphasized the Autobahn GmbH spokesperson, aimed at ensuring the safety of both road workers and motorists.
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