Bulgaria implements road restrictions and heavy vehicle bans

The Road Infrastructure Agency (API) has implemented several traffic restrictions and roadwork measures across Bulgaria. On Independence Day, September 22, temporary bans were placed on heavy goods vehicles exceeding 12 tons on the Trakia, Hemus, and Struma motorways, as well as on road I-1 in the Blagoevgrad region. These measures, active from 12:00 to 20:00, specifically targeted traffic heading toward Sofia to prevent congestion, though vehicles exiting the capital remained unaffected. Exceptions include public transport buses, ADR dangerous goods, live animals, and perishable food transport.

Ongoing road repairs are causing additional disruptions. On the Hemus motorway, heavy vehicles over 12.5 tons are restricted between the Boaza and Dermantsi junctions. In Shumen, traffic on the Hemus motorway toward Sofia is being managed through a single lane due to repairs scheduled until September 24. Other notable maintenance includes work on the Byala–Pleven road, the I-8 road near Vakares and Ikhtiman, and the I-9 road between Obzor and Banya. Additionally, a detour is in place on the III-868 road between Rudozem and Smolyan due to construction.