Friendship Bridge traffic to face restrictions in October

Traffic on the Friendship Bridge connecting Giurgiu, Romania, and Ruse, Bulgaria, will face temporary restrictions in October 2026 to facilitate the installation of water drainage systems at the bridge joints.

The work will be carried out in two distinct stages. During the first stage, from October 19 to October 22, the right lane will be closed, forcing two-way traffic onto the left lane with alternating directions every 20 minutes. The second stage, running from October 26 to October 29, will close the left lane, requiring two-way traffic to use the right lane under similar alternating conditions.

Authorities warn of substantial increases in waiting times at the border and advise travelers to plan ahead or use alternative routes. These maintenance works are part of a larger bridge rehabilitation project scheduled for completion by December 3, 2026.