Definition of Bundesautobahn 2

is an autobahn in Germany that connects the Ruhr area in the west to Berlin in the east. The A2 starts at the western city of Oberhausen, passes through the north of the Ruhr valley, through the Münsterland and into Ostwestfalen, crossing the former inner-German border and continuing through the Magdeburger Börde to merge into the Berliner Ring shortly before reaching Berlin. Major cities such as Magdeburg, Braunschweig, Hannover and Dortmund are situated very close to the A2. The A2 was modified in the late 1990s, and completely rebuilt in the former East Germany. Of its 303.75 miles (486 km), 90% have 3 travel lanes and a breakdown lane in each direction. The surface is mostly concrete. The A2 is one of the most important autobahns, connecting several large industrial areas with each other. Congestion is likely between exits 16 and 20. This is the only section between the Ruhrgebiet and Berlin that has only 2 travel lanes and it is generally in a bad state. Widening work there has started and should be finished in a few years time.