In preparation for the heavy traffic expected over the weekend and at the beginning of the working week, changes are coming in the traffic organization on key motorways.
Initially, on the "Hemus" Motorway, temporary traffic management measures will be introduced on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning in the section between the village of Yana and Sofia.
Significant changes in traffic organization are also expected on the "Trakia" Motorway due to the expected intense traffic from Monday to Thursday. The section in the Sofia region, between the 24th and 33rd kilometer, will be subject to special attention. In order to cope with the congestion, four times in the afternoon - at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00 - the traffic of all vehicles traveling from Plovdiv to Sofia will be completely stopped for a period of about 30 to 45 minutes. During these time intervals, in the lane to Sofia, where three lanes are marked, only traffic from the capital to Plovdiv will be allowed. This measure has been taken in order to effectively pass and regulate traffic, especially when forming queues of cars.
The reporter from the scene reports a tense atmosphere on the road, where drivers show patience, but also visible anxiety, while waiting for the restrictions introduced.
The responsible institutions appeal to drivers to show understanding and to allow extra time for travel, strictly observe road signs and the temporary traffic organization introduced, and to align their journeys with the time restrictions introduced. In addition, those traveling to and from Plovdiv are given the opportunity to use alternative routes, such as the Sub-Balkan road I-6 Sofia – Karlovo, as well as the Ihtiman – Samokov road. "Road Police" emphasizes that if necessary, additional measures will be introduced to regulate traffic.
In addition, repair works are underway in three more sections of the "Trakia" Motorway in the regions of Pazardzhik, Stara Zagora and Sliven. In these areas, traffic is redirected in both directions in the lane where construction work is not carried out.
To improve safety and facilitate drivers, every Sunday until the end of October, in the period from 14:00 to 19:00, the traffic of trucks over 12 tons will be restricted in the lane in the direction of Sofia, in the section from road junction "Stara Zagora" to Sofia (from km 208 to km 0). Under these circumstances, heavy vehicles will be able to use detour routes. The ban does not apply to vehicles carrying public transport of passengers, as well as to motor vehicles transporting dangerous goods (ADR) to refuel petrol stations in the restricted section. Road assistance with specialized repatriation equipment is also exempt from the restrictions. Buses, which are in the category of motor vehicles over 12 tons, will also be allowed to pass on the motorway.
On the "Hemus" Motorway, the repair continues in the section from km 0 to 8 in the direction of Sofia, and traffic is carried out in both directions in the lane to Varna, with a speed limit of 50 km/h. On Sunday and Monday, traffic changes as follows:
- On Sunday, from 15:00 to 20:00, there will be two lanes in the direction of Sofia, and traffic to Varna will be redirected along a detour route along road I-1 Sofia - Gorni Bogrov – road junction "Yana".
- On Monday, from 6:30 to 11:00, two lanes will be set up in the direction of Sofia, while traffic to Varna will be redirected along the same detour route, road I-1 Sofia - Gorni Bogrov – road junction "Yana".
On the remaining weekdays, traffic passes in both directions in the lane to Varna, where one lane is set up for traffic to Sofia and one lane for those traveling to Varna.
The changes in the traffic organization on the "Trakia" Motorway and the "Hemus" Motorway are coordinated with the Ministry of Interior, which, if necessary, can take additional actions to improve traffic safety and regulate traffic.
The "Road Infrastructure Agency" apologizes to citizens for any inconvenience caused by the repair work, while emphasizing their necessity for ensuring traffic safety and improving the comfort of travel. The Agency calls on drivers to strictly follow the traffic rules and speed limits, to avoid risky overtaking that would endanger other road users. In periods of peak traffic, when many people go on the road at the same time, queues of cars are formed in the sections under repair, which leads to a delay in movement. Therefore, it is important for drivers to plan more time for travel and to strictly follow road signs and the temporary traffic organization introduced.
For additional information on the current road situation, citizens and transport companies can visit the website of the "Road Infrastructure Agency" - www.api.bg, or contact them by phone 0700 130 20 at any time of the day.