A major traffic jam has formed on the Trakia Highway in the Karnobat area, with vehicles stretching for over a kilometer in the direction of Sofia.
The cause of the congestion has been attributed to an accident that occurred earlier today, although no injuries have been reported, and initial information suggests that only material damage resulted from the incident.
Motorists passing through the area have described the situation as extremely challenging, with long queues of cars and significant delays. The traffic build-up was most prominent just before the junction for Karnobat, a key point on the Trakia Highway.
Road Conditions Contributing to the Problem
The accident occurred amid difficult road conditions, with wet and slippery surfaces reported throughout the region. The public television network reported that heavy rains earlier in the day had led to the hazardous driving conditions.
The slippery roads, combined with high traffic volume on the last day of the extended weekend, exacerbated the difficulties faced by drivers on this busy route.
The Karnobat section of the Trakia Highway, which connects Bulgaria’s capital Sofia with the Black Sea coast, is a critical artery for long-distance travelers, especially during holiday periods when traffic tends to increase significantly. As a result, any disruption can quickly escalate into a serious issue, as was the case today.
Traffic Remains Heavy, with Delays Expected to Continue
The Bulgarian authorities have yet to provide an official statement regarding the incident or the precise nature of the accident. However, traffic police are on-site to assist in managing the situation and to help ease congestion.
Despite these efforts, drivers are being urged to remain patient, as delays are expected to continue for several hours. The heavy traffic combined with the tricky road conditions is likely to make the situation worse before it improves.
“Drivers should proceed with caution, particularly as the roads remain slippery,” stated a local traffic officer. “We urge everyone to remain calm and patient while our teams work to clear the accident and restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.”
Drivers’ Reports: Long Delays and Frustration
Several drivers caught in the traffic jam shared their frustration over social media, with many reporting being stuck in the same place for over an hour. One driver described the queue of cars as “never-ending” and the movement as “extremely slow,” making the journey particularly stressful.
“We’ve been stuck here for ages, and it’s not moving,” said one motorist heading to Sofia. “It’s frustrating, but the rain and the wet roads have made things worse.”
Many drivers have expressed concern about how long it will take for the situation to return to normal. For those with long distances left to travel, the delays are adding considerable time to their journeys.
Authorities Advise Alternate Routes
Traffic authorities have advised drivers to seek alternative routes where possible to avoid the bottleneck. For those already on the highway, drivers are being encouraged to exercise caution and avoid aggressive driving to prevent further incidents on the wet and slippery roads.
The accident serves as a reminder for all motorists to remain vigilant during adverse weather conditions, especially on busy highways like Trakia, where accidents can cause significant disruption to traffic flow. With more rain expected throughout the day, road users are being urged to stay safe and drive carefully.