Bulgaria implements traffic measures for Hemus motorway tunnel repair

Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov has announced new measures to alleviate traffic congestion on the Hemus motorway caused by the urgent repair of the Topli Dol tunnel. To accelerate the process, construction teams will transition to working in two shifts. The tunnel is expected to be reopened for traffic through both tubes around December 18, prior to the Christmas and New Year holidays.

To manage the flow, heavy goods vehicles will face movement restrictions on Friday evenings toward Varna and on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings toward Sofia. Additionally, authorities are preparing an alternative route via the Arabakonak Pass. Repairs on this municipal road are expected to be completed within approximately 20 days, depending on weather conditions, to serve as a bypass.

Minister Shishkov emphasized that the tunnel closure was unavoidable due to its critical technical condition, stating, “We do not want ambulances instead of traffic jams.” He noted that the bypass through Vitinya remains currently unusable due to a damaged retaining wall, with restoration procedures having begun in 2024.