Frankfurt’s Offenbach Interchange Gets a Major Overhaul to Ease Traffic Chaos
The Offenbach Interchange, a vital junction linking the A3 and A661 motorways near Frankfurt, is undergoing a major redesign. The project aims to tackle long-standing congestion and prepare for rising traffic demands in the Rhine-Main region. Authorities have warned of upcoming restrictions as construction advances.
The interchange has struggled with overcapacity for years, handling around 181,000 vehicles daily on the A3 and 117,000 on the A661 by 2030. As a key hub for both regional and long-distance travel, its current layout has created persistent bottlenecks between Frankfurt and Offenbach.
Preparatory work began in 2024, with core structural upgrades starting in summer 2025 to keep the interchange operational during construction. The redesign spans roughly 800 metres along the A661, featuring temporary solutions like a second provisional bridge over the A3, installed in November. A central goal is simplifying traffic flows by removing complex weaving sections and introducing revised ramp layouts. The Deutsche Einheit Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH (DEGES) is overseeing the project, ensuring coordination with future network upgrades. Additional restrictions will be announced as work progresses. The A3, a critical east-west route, and the north-south A5 form the backbone of the region’s transport network. This reconstruction seeks to secure long-term capacity and support economic connectivity across the area.
The project will reshape one of the region’s busiest junctions, addressing current congestion while accommodating future traffic growth. Drivers can expect phased disruptions, with DEGES providing updates on scheduled changes. The upgrades are designed to improve efficiency and maintain the interchange’s role as a key transport link.
