Repair of Echemishka Tunnel on Hemus Highway: Temporary Restrictions

13.08.2025 | Transport and communications

Important repair works in the Echemishka Tunnel on Hemus Highway will lead to temporary traffic restrictions on August 18 and 19. API provides an alternative route.

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Important repair work is scheduled for a key section of the "Hemus" highway next week, announced the "Road Infrastructure" Agency (RIA). The "Echemishka" tunnel, which is a critical point on the route to the Black Sea coast, will undergo thorough cleaning and refreshing, leading to temporary traffic restrictions.

The repair work is planned for the night hours of August 18 and 19, when traffic is significantly lower, to minimize inconvenience for travelers. The specific schedule includes a complete traffic stop in the Varna-bound tube from 22:00 on August 18 (Monday) to 06:00 on August 19 for a complete washing of the facility. The following night - from 22:00 on August 19 (Tuesday) to 06:00 on August 20, there will again be restrictions due to tunnel painting.

To ensure unobstructed travel to the sea capital during the repair activities, RIA has developed an alternative route. Drivers will be redirected from the 30th kilometer of the highway at the "Vitinska Reka" road junction to the first-class road I-1 Sofia - Botevgrad. Then, at the "Botevgrad" road junction at the 42nd kilometer, they will be able to rejoin the "Hemus" highway and continue their journey to Varna.

Experts from RIA emphasize the importance of following temporary road signs and call on drivers to exercise increased caution in the area of repair activities.

We urge all drivers to move at an appropriate speed, maintain a safe distance, and avoid risky maneuvers that could endanger the life and health of road users
, said an agency spokesperson.

For the convenience of citizens and transport companies, RIA provides constant access to up-to-date information on road conditions. It can be obtained through the agency's official website - www.api.bg, as well as on the 24-hour telephone line 0700 130 20.

These repair activities are part of a larger program to improve road infrastructure in the country, especially on key transport arteries such as the "Hemus" highway. Regular maintenance of tunnels is critical to ensuring the safety of travelers and extending the operational life of the facilities.

It is expected that after the completion of the repair, passing through the "Echemishka" tunnel will be significantly more comfortable and safe for all road users. RIA appeals for drivers' patience during these short-term inconveniences, emphasizing the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure.