Cologne · A1
Breakdown at the Leverkusen Bridge
The A1 crosses the Rhine between Leverkusen and Köln-Niehl on a cable-stayed bridge over a kilometre long. Elevated sections and interchanges lie before and after it: a spot where a breakdown blocks traffic fast.
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What happens after you call?
Tell us whether you're before, on, or past the Rhine bridge, and your direction of travel. We'll tell you the price right away and send a partner who knows the elevated sections and the bridge.
The route, section by section
Coming from the north, the A1 passes through this section in this order:
| Location | Length / No. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leverkusen interchange | 98 | connects to A3 |
| Elevated section B | 928 m | crosses the Dhünn, among other things |
| Leverkusen-West interchange | 99 | connects to A59 and L293 |
| Elevated section | 527 m | before the Rhine bridge |
| Leverkusen Rhine bridge | 1,057 m | cable-stayed bridge over the Rhine |
| Köln-Niehl | 100 | first Cologne exit |
| Cologne-Nord interchange | 101 | A57, Cologne motorway ring |
Between the Leverkusen interchange and Köln-Niehl, then, is a sequence of elevated sections and bridges together about 2.5 kilometres long, with few places to pull over. After the bridge, the route passes Merkenich and a large industrial park in Cologne before reaching the Cologne-Nord interchange near Chorweiler.
A structure under renewal
Because of significant structural damage, the Leverkusen Rhine bridge is being replaced with a new bridge, one per direction. The first ground was broken on 14 December 2017, and the regional roads authority (Landesbetrieb Straßenbau NRW) planned the new bridge with ten lanes. While the damage persisted, the old bridge was at times restricted to vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, which diverted traffic onto other Rhine bridges. The current status, which lanes are open, and whether restrictions apply can change. Check a traffic report before you drive.
What applies in a breakdown on a bridge or elevated section
- React early: as soon as your vehicle loses power, indicate and move right, while you can still steer.
- Avoid stopping in the middle of the bridge if you can help it. Coast past the bridge or to the next exit.
- Hazard lights, hi-vis vest, behind the crash barrier, once you've reached the edge. If anyone is injured, call 112.
- If you can't reach the edge: stay belted in and call 112. Getting out in the middle of the carriageway is life-threatening.
The detailed steps are in our guide (German) Breaking down on the motorway. For the Cologne side, see Breakdown on the A1 near Cologne, and for the district, Towing Service Cologne-Nippes.
What to tell us
- A1 and direction: towards Cologne/Saarbrücken or towards Leverkusen/Dortmund
- Last exit or interchange: Leverkusen, Leverkusen-West, or Köln-Niehl
- Whether you're before, on, or past the Rhine bridge
- Vehicle, drivetrain, and whether it still rolls
- Whether anyone is injured
Who actually comes in Cologne?
Faster is based in Antwerp, Belgium. Jobs in the Cologne area are carried out by partners on the ground, we coordinate them. For jobs on the Leverkusen side, we'll work out on the phone whether and how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Leverkusen Bridge
How long is the Leverkusen Rhine bridge?
What's the first exit after the bridge?
Is the bridge closed?
What do I do if I break down on the bridge?
Broken down in Cologne?
Call us or send your location on WhatsApp.