Heavy congestion hit Tehran during the morning peak, with traffic police reporting sustained volumes and slow-moving flows on several of the capital’s main highways. The traffic information centre warned motorists to allow extra travel time and to follow safe driving practices to reduce the risk of collisions and delays.
Tehran traffic: major arteries affected
According to Colonel Ali Asghar Sharifi, head of the Tehran Traffic Police information centre, west-to-east movement on a number of routes is particularly slow. He identified Azadi Street from Ostad Mo’een to Behboudi intersection, the Shahid Hemmat Highway from Janatabad to Yadegar-e-Emam, Lashgari Highway from Tehranser to Mehrabad Airport, Hakim Highway from Shaghayegh Boulevard to the Yadegar-e-Emam interchange, and the Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Highway from Sattari to Paknejad Boulevard as carrying heavy to very heavy traffic.
East-to-west corridors are similarly affected. The Zeyn al-Din route from Shemiran-no to the Shariati Bridge, Shahid Babaei Highway from Hengam Street to Imam Ali Highway, Sadr Highway between Gheitariyeh and Shariati Street, and Shahid Soleimani Highway from Imam Ali to the Seyyed Khandan Bridge are all experiencing significant congestion, the police said.
South-to-north traffic has not been spared. Colonel Sharifi pointed to Imam Ali Highway between Shahid Soleimani and Shahid Babaei highways, Basij Highway from the Asfariyeh junction to Qasr-e Firoozeh, Navv Safavi from Martyr Cheraghi Bridge to the Tohid Tunnel, Sheikh Fazlollah Nouri Highway from Janah to beyond Setareh Khan Bridge, and Saeedi Highway from Yaftabad to Fath Square as bearing heavy traffic loads.
The police emphasised that the descriptions reflect current conditions and may change as the morning progresses. Commuters travelling through these corridors should anticipate delays and consider alternative routes or public transport where possible.
Advice to drivers
Colonel Sharifi urged motorists to travel at a safe speed, maintain a prudent following distance and avoid rushing between lanes. He requested drivers refrain from abrupt lane changes and unnecessary lane-hopping, which can exacerbate congestion and increase the likelihood of accidents. Observing these basic rules, he said, helps traffic flow more smoothly and reduces the chance of secondary incidents that would prolong delays.
Traffic control authorities continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as needed. Road users are encouraged to follow local traffic broadcasts and verified police channels for the latest information before setting out, especially during peak hours.
For commuters in Tehran, planning ahead and leaving extra time remain the most reliable ways to avoid being caught in the heaviest stretches of the morning rush.
Key Takeaways:
- Tehran traffic is heavy across multiple major highways and directions during the morning peak.
- West–east and east–west corridors, plus several south–north routes, report heavy to severe congestion.
- Traffic police advise drivers to maintain safe speed, keep distance and remain in their lane.
