Zhelezhnitsa Tunnel on Struma Motorway to Close for Safety Upgrades

The Zhelezhnitsa Tunnel on the Struma Motorway will close for six hours this Thursday to facilitate the replacement and adjustment of its fire alarm system. The Road Infrastructure Agency (API) has scheduled the works to take place between 09:30 and 15:30 (or 10:00 to 16:00, according to different reports).

During this period, traffic in both directions will be diverted to a detour via the I-1 Sofia-Kulata road. Drivers traveling toward Kulata will be diverted at the ‘Blagoevgrad South’ junction (km 97), while those heading toward Sofia will be rerouted at the junction at km 104.

The maintenance is described as critical for maintaining safety standards and ensuring early detection of fire incidents within the long tunnel. Travelers are advised to follow temporary road signs and expect potential delays of approximately 15-20 minutes due to the detour.