Bulgaria implements truck restrictions amid heavy traffic and heat

Bulgaria is experiencing intense holiday traffic and high summer temperatures, leading to significant road disruptions and safety concerns. To alleviate congestion, the Road Infrastructure Agency has implemented emergency measures, including banning trucks over 12 tons from the Trakia and Struma motorways and the I-1 road through the Kresna Gorge toward Sofia during peak hours. In the Simitli area, reversible lanes have been introduced to manage traffic from Greece.

Authorities have warned that if temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius, trucks over 20 tons may face bans across 12 regions of the country. Border crossings are seeing heavy volume, particularly at Kulata (Greece), Kalotina (Serbia), and Kapitan Andreevo (Turkey). Meanwhile, ferry services on the Danube between Oryahovo–Bechet and Svishtov–Zimnicea are suspended due to critically low river levels.

Medical and road safety experts are advising drivers to manage the risks of heat exhaustion and fatigue. Recommendations include taking at least a 15-minute break every two hours, staying hydrated with 2–3 liters of water daily, and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol. Recent data from the Ministry of Interior reports 31 serious accidents in the last 24 hours, resulting in 42 injuries.