Trakia and Hemus Motorways Under Repair: Increased Caution!

The Road Infrastructure Agency issued an urgent appeal to all drivers of motor vehicles to exercise increased caution and strictly observe the rules of the road, as well as the temporarily introduced organizational safety measures related to the repair works on the Trakia and Hemus motorways.

The large-scale road repairs, covering significant sections of the two key motorways, are causing serious traffic difficulties and necessitate increased vigilance on the part of drivers.

Repairs on the Trakia Motorway

Currently, construction works are being carried out simultaneously at several key points along the Trakia Motorway. Three separate sections – in Sofia, Pazardzhik and Sliven regions – are undergoing intensive repairs.

• One of the most serious projects is the preventive repair of the lane to Burgas, located 9 kilometers from the beginning of the motorway, between 24th and 33rd km, started on September 23. Traffic is restricted in the lane to Burgas, with two-way traffic in the lane to Sofia. To minimize congestion, especially during peak hours on weekends when a significant increase in traffic is observed, a special organization has been introduced. From Friday 12:00 p.m. to Saturday 3:00 p.m., two lanes will be provided for traffic towards Burgas and one for Sofia, and from Saturday 3:00 p.m. to Friday 12:00 p.m. – one lane towards Burgas and two towards Sofia. The works on this section will continue daily until November 10.
• Two other significant repairs are underway: in Pazardzhik region – the lane to Burgas, between 90th and 98th km, where traffic is limited to one lane in each direction, with two-way traffic in the lane to Sofia; and in Sliven region – an 11-kilometer section, between 262nd and 273rd km, with a similar traffic organization – one lane in each direction. To ensure traffic safety during heavy traffic on weekends, reversible traffic will be introduced on these two sections as well: two lanes for Burgas and one for Sofia on Friday and Saturday, and two lanes for Sofia and one for Burgas on Sunday.

The technological projects for all these repairs provide for a complete replacement of the asphalt pavement, repair work on the drainage system, renewal of road signs and barrier systems, as well as new horizontal markings. All repairs are planned to be carried out daily, with the lane to Burgas being renewed first, followed by the lane to Sofia. The completion of the construction works in Pazardzhik and Sliven regions is planned for November 30. Following the completion of the repairs on the Trakia Motorway, a significant improvement in the road surface and infrastructure is expected. We recall that in May-June this year, similar repairs were carried out on other sections of the motorway, covering Sofia, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv and Sliven regions.

In addition to the extensive repairs on the Trakia Motorway, current repairs are also being carried out on a nearly 200-meter section of the Zimnitsa road junction in Yambol region, connecting road I-7 Yambol – Lesovo border crossing with the Trakia Motorway, started on September 25. For the duration of the repair, traffic in the lane towards the motorway is completely blocked, with an alternative route through the lane to Yambol, with a speed limit of 60 km/h. Direct traffic on the Trakia Motorway is not affected. The planned completion date is October 12.

A preventive repair of 21 km of the Trakia Motorway in Stara Zagora region is also planned, and the technological project is currently being developed.

Repairs on the Hemus Motorway

On the Hemus Motorway, 8.3 km of the lane to Sofia are being repaired, from the village of Yana to the entrance of the capital. The section was in poor condition, which necessitated the conduct of geodetic surveys in the spring and summer. The repair involves a complete replacement of the road surface, laying of geogrid for reinforcement, improved drainage, as well as renewal of barrier systems, markings and signs. The completion date is October 31. By the end of the month, traffic restrictions are expected in the Sofia tube of the Topli Dol tunnel for the completion of major repairs. Traffic was resumed on July 18 with temporary organization and a speed limit of 50 km/h, but two-way passage through the Varna tube is planned until the completion of the repairs, expected in December.

The Road Infrastructure Agency apologizes for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing the need for repairs to improve safety and travel comfort. The Agency appeals to drivers to drive with increased caution, to observe speed limits and not to undertake risky overtaking maneuvers. Information on the current road situation can be found on the API website – www.api.bg, as well as by phone 0700 130 20.