Bulgaria introduces weekend restrictions for trucks over 12 tonnes

Bulgaria is introducing weekend restrictions for trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes on the Trakia and Struma motorways, as well as on Road I-1 through the Kresna Gorge. The restrictions will be in force on Friday, 3 July, and Sunday, 5 July, during periods of peak traffic.

The Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency has announced temporary traffic restrictions for heavy goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tonnes. The measures will apply on Friday, 3 July, and Sunday, 5 July, on selected sections of the country’s main routes leading towards Burgas, the Kulata border crossing, and Sofia.

The purpose of the restrictions is to improve traffic flow and road safety during the period of increased weekend travel. The measures will affect the Trakia Motorway, the Struma Motorway, and National Road I-1 in the area of the Kresna Gorge. Specifically, they concern the section between the Simitli interchange at kilometre 376 and the Kresna interchange on the Struma Motorway at kilometre 402.

❌ On Friday, 3 July, traffic for trucks over 12 tonnes will be restricted from 16:00 to 23:00 Bulgarian time. The restriction applies to vehicles travelling towards Burgas and the Kulata border crossing.

❌ On Sunday, 5 July, the restrictions will be in force from 15:30 to 22:00 Bulgarian time. On that day, the ban will apply to trucks travelling towards Sofia.

During the restriction periods, hauliers travelling towards Burgas may use National Road I-6, also known as the Sub-Balkan Road, as an alternative route.

For vehicles travelling to or from the Kulata border crossing, the Bulgarian authorities recommend the alternative route Simitli - Gotse Delchev - Chuchuligovo - Kulata, using Roads II-19, III-198 and III-1981.

The restrictions do not apply to buses providing public passenger transport, vehicles carrying dangerous goods under ADR regulations, live animal transport, perishable food products, temperature-controlled cargo, specialised vehicles transporting animal carcasses, or machinery and vehicles used for road maintenance.