Will the highway be closed during rain?

[AlexandraDella]

Normally, highways are not closed during regular rain unless there are extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or dense fog, which may prompt temporary closures. Here are some precautions for driving in the rain: Slow down: Regardless of the road width or surface conditions, drive slowly in the rain and always pay attention to the distance between vehicles ahead and behind. Be mentally prepared to take emergency measures. Visibility is low in rainy conditions, and the braking distance of vehicles is reduced, so slow down in advance to ensure enough time and space to react safely. Maintain distance: Rainy conditions obstruct visibility, so it's important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and constantly monitor the distance between cars. Increase the following distance, especially keeping away from large trucks, as they can block your view. Additionally, large trucks can create splashes that may interfere with smaller vehicles, and they can navigate through water that smaller cars might not be able to. Use fog lights in the rain: Make full use of fog lights to enhance driving safety in the rain. If necessary, turn on hazard warning lights to ensure that vehicles behind you are aware of your movements.

[KaiAnn]

Having driven long-haul trucks for eight years, whether highways are closed during rain depends on the specific situation. I remember last summer during a heavy downpour, sections of the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway were directly closed, with water levels reaching halfway up the tires. However, during light rain, traffic usually proceeds normally. The key is visibility—if you can't see the white lines a hundred meters ahead, the road will definitely be closed. Also, watch for water depth on the road; anything over 15 centimeters is particularly dangerous. Before setting off, check the traffic management app—orange warnings mean you should be cautious. Once, I was stuck at an entrance for two hours, though a parallel provincial highway was passable, just adding an extra half-hour. New drivers are advised to call 12122 for the most reliable updates—don’t trust real-time navigation updates. One time, I followed navigation only to find road control ahead.

[OGrant]

Just encountered this situation last week! I was driving back from Hangzhou to Shanghai in a heavy downpour when the navigation suddenly alerted me that the G60 was closed. The rain was so intense that even the fastest wiper setting couldn't keep up, and the windshield was completely fogged up. Traffic police were diverting vehicles at the toll station, explaining that an accident had blocked all three lanes. Actually, half an hour before the closure, the highway information board had flashed a 'speed limit 60' warning, but unfortunately, I didn't notice it. Later, I tried taking local roads, only to find the situation even worse—many intersections were so flooded that sedans didn't dare to pass. My advice is to check the 'China Road Network' WeChat official account before heading out in heavy rain; it updates temporary traffic control information 15 minutes earlier than navigation apps. If you see a 'special-grade control' warning, avoid the highway altogether. Taking national highways might be slower, but it's more reliable.

[ElleMarie]

As technicians stationed year-round at the highway administration, we follow strict criteria for freeway closures: continuous heavy rainfall exceeding 3 hours with precipitation reaching 50mm triggers a Level 1 response. We prioritize monitoring five types of risk zones: drainage capacity of long downhill sections, water catchment areas at tunnel entrances, water levels of river-crossing bridges, high slope settlement zones, and frequent fog accumulation areas. For instance, during this year's flood season, a mountainous expressway was preemptively closed due to slope seepage. In-vehicle BeiDou navigation systems push real-time alerts to regulated vehicles, while regular drivers should heed the three-tier warning signals on electronic signs – yellow markers impose 80km/h speed limits, orange markers 40km/h, and red markers mandate detours.

[DelKingston]

Last year's self-drive trip to Western Sichuan left a deep impression when we got stranded on the Yakang Expressway due to heavy rain. We were enjoying the highland mist when suddenly a torrential downpour started. Right after passing the Erlangshan Tunnel, traffic police stopped us, warning of landslide risks ahead. The worst part? No cell signal in such emergencies! Later we discovered every service area had emergency broadcasts, with staff using megaphones to announce 'Detour to Kangding via National Highway 318'. My advice for long drives during rainy season: check updates at service areas when fuel drops below half-tank. Experienced drivers watch for maintenance vehicles - when they drive in convoy with warning lights on, road closures are likely. Always pack snacks - we were trapped for four hours that time, and instant noodles sold out at service areas.

[Daniela]

The rescue team handled a highway accident in the rain just the day before yesterday. The driver involved said the rain wasn't heavy so they kept driving, but the vehicle lost control after hitting a puddle and crashed into the guardrail. In fact, light rain is more dangerous as oil stains on the road mix with rainwater to form a slippery film, making skidding possible even at 60 km/h. If you encounter standing water, avoid slamming on the brakes—hold the steering wheel firmly and pass through at a steady speed. If you can't see the road clearly even with the wipers on the highest setting, immediately turn on the hazard lights and pull over to the emergency lane. Key reminder: If you see control information displayed on the 'variable message sign,' don't hesitate—exit the highway at the nearest ramp immediately. During the last heavy rain patrol, many cars were found parked at tunnel entrances to take shelter from the rain, which is extremely dangerous as vehicles from behind can hardly see them.