The Struma motorway is open: the landslide at the Zheleznitsa tunnel has been reinforced

14.06.2026 | Transport and communications

After a two-month restriction, traffic on the Struma motorway towards Sofia has been restored. See how the landslide at the Zheleznitsa tunnel was reinforced following the intervention of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.

Снимка от David Dixon , Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Traffic on the Struma Motorway is fully restored

After nearly two months of difficulties, traffic on the Struma Motorway in the section between Simitli and Blagoevgrad, in the direction of Sofia, has now been fully restored. The section was closed due to a landslide that was activated in the area of the Zheleznitsa tunnel.

"The promise to solve the problem within 10 days following Minister Shishkov's inspection has been fulfilled," the ministry reports.

The landslide has been secured by installing a high-strength steel mesh, which ensures the safety of travelers. The repair work was accelerated following a surprise inspection by Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov, followed by an urgent meeting with the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) and the companies involved.

Timeline of the repairs:

Source: BNT