Google Maps Exasperated by Spurious Barriers on Virtual Roads
During the extended weekend of Ascension Day in 2025, thousands of travelers in Germany encountered inconvenience due to a glitch in Google Maps. The popular navigation app erroneously indicated that multiple major highways were closed, leading many drivers to seek alternative routes and causing significant traffic congestion.
According to media reports, highways in cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, and numerous other cities across the country were shown as closed by Google Maps. However, local law enforcement agencies in these cities, including Hamburg, Frankfurt, Mainz, and North Rhine-Westphalia, did not confirm these closures. The erroneous information was also reported in parts of the Netherlands and Belgium.
Google has initiated an internal investigation to understand the cause of the glitch. The company stated that the information in Google Maps comes from various sources, including third-party providers, public sources, and user inputs. This incident highlights the importance of cross-checking traffic information across multiple sources before navigating, to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information.
This year, increased travel was expected due to the long weekend and the closure of many schools in northern and eastern German states. According to the ADAC, the day before Ascension Day had been one of the most congested days in 2024. Despite the traffic chaos on alternative routes, it was reported that the falsely reported closed highways were largely unaffected.
In a similar incident earlier this month, Google Maps displayed supposedly closed highway tunnels in Thuringia, leading to unnecessary detours and complaints from the police. The tunnels were shown as open again following the police complaints.
Sources: ntv.de, ses/dpa
Background:
This incident serves as a reminder for travelers to be vigilant and verify traffic information from multiple sources to ensure a smooth journey. Google Maps, while a powerful tool, is not infallible and relies on various external sources for its data. Cross-checking and verifying the information can help avoid potential pitfalls and ensure a hassle-free trip.
The Commission, which oversees transportation and digital infrastructure, has also been consulted on this matter, as the issue of technology-related inconveniences, such as the recent incident involving gadgets like Google Maps, can significantly impact travelers. It is important to ensure that such gadgets provide accurate and reliable information, especially during busy travel periods like extended weekends.
