False Report Circulated for Hours: Google Maps Closes the A3 Near Wiesbaden
On Tuesday, March 10, Google Maps data incorrectly showed the A3 southbound between Niedernhausen (Rheingau-Taunus) and the Wiesbaden Interchange as closed for more than half a day. As a result, a large number of drivers exited the highway and attempted to continue their journeys via supposed detours.
The impact on inner-city traffic in the state capital of Wiesbaden was particularly severe during rush hour.
“What’s particularly baffling here is the excessively long response time on Google’s part before the false report was corrected,” notes Andreas Kowol, head of the transportation department. “This must not happen. It is unacceptable for one of Germany’s most important highways to be shown as closed for hours on end, burdening Wiesbaden with a large number of additional vehicles. The platform is widely used, and a private company must take corrective action much more quickly in such cases—this must happen within minutes, not hours. An incident like this must not happen again.”
This press release is issued by the Press Office of the State Capital of Wiesbaden, Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden, pressereferatwiesbadende Citizens with questions can contact the responsible department or office.