RUSE, BULGARIA – Traffic on the Danube Bridge near Ruse will be entirely suspended on Thursday, March 27, to facilitate critical repair work, the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) announced. The restrictions will affect both passenger and heavy goods vehicles, with different timelines for each category.
Passenger vehicles will be barred from crossing between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM on March 27, while heavy goods vehicles will face a 24-hour restriction, from 9:00 AM on March 27 to 9:00 AM on March 28.
The temporary closure is part of the ongoing rehabilitation project on the bridge, which began on July 10, 2024. Until now, the work has been carried out without fully stopping traffic, but the next phase requires uninterrupted conditions for concrete mixtures to be applied to joint sections of the structure.
The 12-hour traffic-free period is crucial to allow the materials to solidify and achieve the necessary strength for durability.
Decades-Overdue Repairs on a Key Crossing
The Danube Bridge is a vital connection between Bulgaria and Romania and a critical component of the I-2 road network. Stretching 1,057 meters across the Danube River, the bridge has been in operation for 70 years since its inauguration in 1954.
Despite its significance, the structure has undergone no major repairs in decades. The last significant maintenance took place over 22 years ago, with resurfacing and joint reinforcement completed in 2011. Officials stress that the current work is long overdue and vital for the safety and longevity of the bridge.
Alternative Routes and Heavy Vehicle Restrictions
To ease disruptions, the National Toll Administration has designated alternative routes for heavy goods vehicles.
Drivers will be directed to parking and rest areas in the regions of Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Yambol, and Haskovo. Additionally, vehicles over 3.5 tons will be restricted from using route maps that include the affected section during the closure.
Authorities have advised truck drivers to plan accordingly and use alternative border crossings, including the Vidin-Calafat Bridge and Giurgiu’s ferry services, if necessary.
Authorities Urge Patience Amid Expected Delays
The RIA has apologized for the inconvenience caused but emphasized the urgency of the repairs. Officials noted that the long-term benefits of the rehabilitation will outweigh the temporary disruptions.
“The work cannot be delayed any further,” the agency stated. “We urge drivers to remain patient and follow the recommended alternative routes to minimize congestion.”
Traffic Advisory and Future Expectations
With the full suspension of movement on March 27, severe traffic congestion is expected in the region, particularly in Ruse and nearby border checkpoints. Local authorities have advised residents to avoid non-essential travel during peak hours and check real-time traffic updates.
Once this phase of the repair is completed, further closures may be scheduled in the coming months, depending on the progress of the project. The RIA has assured the public that updates will be provided well in advance to allow for proper travel planning.
For now, March 27 marks a critical milestone in the rehabilitation of one of Bulgaria’s most important transport links.