These are Schleswig-Holstein's largest construction sites - Schleswig-Holstein braces for massive highway overhauls and inevitable delays

Schleswig-Holstein is set to undergo major roadworks this year, with seven key highway projects planned across the region. The state government is investing around half a billion euros in upgrades to roads and cycling infrastructure, funded in part by federal contributions.

Work on the A21 will start first, with a five-kilometre stretch south of the Leezen exit undergoing a full overhaul until November. Meanwhile, the A215 will be resurfaced between the Kiel-West interchange and Kiel-Mitte exit from April to October.

The A1 will also see significant disruption from April, as reconstruction between the Ratekau and Pansdorf exits reduces northbound traffic to two lanes and southbound to just one. On the A23, fresh asphalt will be laid between Halstenbek-Krupunder and Halstenbek/Rellingen starting in May.

Another major project involves the B404/A21 expansion, where a 7.9-kilometre section is expected to gain four lanes this spring. Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen has urged drivers to prepare for airport delays, as detours will be unavoidable during these works. None of these projects, however, are linked to the larger Bundesverkehrswegeplan or were marked as priorities in earlier versions.

More construction zones are anticipated between the North and Baltic Seas in the coming months, adding to the travel challenges.

The roadworks will bring long-term improvements to the region's transport network. Drivers should expect delays, particularly on the A1, A21, and A23, as lanes close and detours take effect. The upgrades aim to enhance road quality and capacity, though no specific projects in Schleswig-Holstein are tied to the federal transport master plan.