Bulgaria’s road network continues to face major disruptions due to severe winter weather, with multiple regions affected by heavy snowfall, fallen trees, and poor visibility.
The Petrohan Pass, a key route connecting Sofia with northwestern Bulgaria, remains fully closed to traffic, as fallen trees obstruct the road.
Authorities have diverted traffic to alternative routes, urging drivers to take detours via Iskrets, Svoge, and Vratsa when traveling from Sofia. Meanwhile, vehicles heading in the opposite direction are being redirected through Varshets.
The closure of the Petrohan Pass follows a series of incidents earlier this week when drivers were forced to clear fallen trees themselves to continue their journeys.
Despite efforts to clear the road, the pass remains impassable, highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing winter storm.
The adverse weather conditions extend beyond the Petrohan Pass. In the Shipka and Hainboaz passes, continuous snowfall has reduced visibility to as low as 50 meters, making travel especially hazardous.
The snow-covered road surfaces have been treated for safer passage, but travelers are still urged to exercise extreme caution. These areas are under significant snow accumulation, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Further south, the Trakia and Maritsa highways are experiencing persistent rain, which has left the roads wet but with generally good visibility.
Temperatures across the affected regions range from minus three to seven degrees Celsius, accompanied by overcast skies. Despite the rain, the highways remain passable, although wet conditions are still posing risks to motorists.
In addition to road disruptions, the harsh winter weather has also impacted local attractions.
The Freedom Monument at Shipka Peak has been temporarily closed to visitors due to an interrupted power supply, as announced by the Shipka-Buzludzha National Park-Museum.
This closure is just one of many instances where the severe weather has caused disruptions to daily life in the country.
Authorities are advising all travelers to be cautious when traveling through the affected regions, as road conditions can change rapidly.
Drivers are urged to monitor weather reports, carry necessary winter supplies, and follow local road advisories to ensure their safety.
The Petrohan Pass, in particular, is notorious for being affected by heavy snowfall during the winter months. As one of the main routes through the Balkan Mountains, it is a critical connection between Sofia and the northwestern part of Bulgaria.
Seasonal closures due to snowstorms are not uncommon, but this year’s persistent snowfall and fallen trees have caused significant disruptions.
In the coming days, officials are likely to continue implementing road closures and rerouting traffic to ensure public safety.
With more snowstorms forecasted, travelers are urged to stay updated on local weather conditions and road closures before embarking on their journeys.