From 2 to 8 July 2025, the Czech D8 motorway near Ústí nad Labem will undergo extensive infrastructure work, including the full closure of the Libouchec and Panenská tunnels as well as road surface reconstruction between Trmice and the Libouchec tunnel.
These simultaneous works will significantly impact both domestic and international traffic, especially freight routes toward and from Germany. Drivers should expect congestion, mandatory detours, and longer travel times.
Scope of the Roadworks
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Tunnels Libouchec and Panenská (km 82.7–87) will be fully closed in both directions starting 2 July at 8:00 AM.
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Road resurfacing between Trmice and the tunnel entrance began at midnight on 2 July.
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Additionally, bridge reconstruction in Mojžíř is being carried out, further restricting traffic flow in the region.
Truck Detours and Traffic Routing
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Northbound (to Germany): Trucks are diverted from Knínice via Varvažov and Telnice, climbing toward Petrovice and rejoining the D8 before the German border.
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Southbound (from Germany): Trucks exit at Petrovice, continue via Tisá and Libouchec on route I/13, and return to the D8 near Knínice.
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For heavy vehicles, detours are one-way only. Light vehicles may use both directions of the detour routes.
Alternative Routes for International Freight
The Czech police strongly recommend that freight carriers without essential business in the region choose alternative north-south corridors, such as:
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D5 (via Plzeň)
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D7 (via Chomutov and Hora Svatého Šebestiána)
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I/9 (via Mělník, Česká Lípa, Jiříkov)
The border crossing at Cínovec may be temporarily reopened to trucks in case of heavy congestion, although it is usually not used for transit freight.
Scope of Tunnel Reconstruction
The following systems are being modernised after nearly 20 years of tunnel operation:
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Traffic management and digital signage
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Fire detection and emergency radio systems
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Speed enforcement and vehicle tracking (including hazardous goods detection)
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Repairs of walkways, drainage, ventilation, and emergency exit systems
The tunnel renovation is estimated at CZK 744 million (approx. €29 million).
Resurfacing Between Trmice and Knínice
The roadworks include resurfacing of the D8 between the Trmice interchange and the Libouchec tunnel, covering ramps at exits 48 (Lovosice), 69 (Trmice), 72 (Předlice), 74 (Úžin), and 80 (Knínice).
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Works started at midnight on 2 July and are expected to continue until early September.
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The resurfacing is being carried out by Eurovia CZ and Strabag Sis, with a tendered value of CZK 496 million (excluding VAT).
Lessons from the First Closure Phase
During the previous closure, the situation remained manageable due to the use of the former Cínovec border crossing as a detour route, which was used by 95% foreign drivers. Local motorists largely avoided the D8 altogether, reducing pressure on regional roads.
However, the second phase is significantly more complex, with three overlapping projects – tunnel closure, bridge works, and surface repair – converging in the same area and timeframe.
Summary
The period from 2 to 8 July 2025 will see serious traffic disruptions on the Czech D8 motorway due to overlapping infrastructure projects. Freight carriers are urged to plan alternative routes, monitor live traffic updates, and avoid the Ústí nad Labem region if possible.
