Truck Restrictions on Motorways for Independence Day

The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) announced temporary traffic restrictions for trucks weighing over 12 tons on several of the busiest motorways in the country during the holidays around Independence Day – September 22. The measure is taken to ensure smoother and safer traffic for passenger cars, expected to be intensified during the long weekend. "The goal is to facilitate the travel of passenger cars, increase throughput, improve traffic safety and limit the prerequisites for road accidents", RIA explains. A significant increase in road traffic is expected, accompanied by an increased risk of accidents caused by incorrect overtaking and congestion from heavy vehicles.

The restrictions will be in effect on the Struma and Trakia motorways along their entire length and in both directions. On the Hemus motorway, the restriction will apply in both directions for the section from Sofia to the roundabout with road I-4 Brestnitsa – Lovech, covering the territory of Sofia and Lovech regions. On the last holiday day – September 22 – the restriction for heavy vehicles will only apply to traffic towards Sofia.

The restriction schedule is as follows:

• September 19 (last working day): Prohibition of the movement of heavy trucks in both directions between 17:00 and 20:00.
• September 20 (first holiday day): Restriction for vehicles over 12 tons in both directions from 8:00 to 13:00.
• September 22 (last holiday day): Prohibition of the movement of vehicles over 12 tons between 14:00 and 20:00, valid only for traffic towards Sofia.
• September 21: No restrictions will be imposed.

It is important to note that the temporary organization does not apply to vehicles carrying out public passenger transport. Also, on the Hemus and Struma motorways, the ban does not apply to trucks over 12 tons transporting dangerous goods (ADR), live animals, perishable food products and goods requiring special temperature conditions, as well as specialized carcass trucks. On the Trakia motorway, in the section from the Ichtiman toll station (at km 34) to the Vakarel toll station (at km 23) towards Sofia, the ban does not apply to vehicles over 12 tons transporting dangerous goods (ADR).

Heavy vehicle drivers can opt for alternative republican roads, observing the existing traffic organization. The measure is coordinated with the Ministry of Interior and at the discretion of the Ministry of Interior, additional measures may be taken to alleviate traffic.

RIA appeals to all drivers to drive carefully, at an appropriate speed, to comply with traffic rules and to avoid risky overtaking. The use of the emergency lane is strictly prohibited, as this may impede the passage of emergency services in the event of an accident. Up-to-date information on road conditions can be obtained from the RIA website – www.api.bg, as well as by phone 0700 130 20. Increased police presence is expected on the motorways to ensure compliance with the temporary restrictions.