Bulgaria restricts lorry traffic on July 31 and August 2
On July 31 and August 2, to increase safety and facilitate travel in the afternoon hours, the movement of heavy lorries over 12 tons will be temporarily restricted in both directions on the Trakia Motorway, the Struma Motorway and on road I-1 through the Kresna Gorge in the section from the Simitli checkpoint (at 376 km) to the Kulata border checkpoint, Bulgaria’s Road Infrastructure Agency said on July 28
The temporary change in traffic organisation is being undertaken to limit the potential for traffic accidents from improper overtaking and the formation of a column of heavy lorries during peak hours, when many people are heading to the Black Sea coast, the road agency said.
On July 31, the restriction will be between 4pm and 11pm.
On August 2, the restriction will be from 3.30pm to 10pm.
During this time, drivers of heavy lorries over 12 tons travelling to and from Bourgas can use the Sub-Balkan Road I-6 as an alternative route.
For those travelling to and from the Kulata border checkpoint, the bypass route is along road II-19 Simitli – Gotse Delchev – from the road junction of road I-1 with road II-19 in the town of Simitli to the intersection with road III-198 in the town of Gotse Delchev, along road III-198 Gotse Delchev – Kulata to the intersection with road III-1981 in the village of Chuchuligovo and along road III-1981 to the intersection with road I-1 in the village of Kulata and vice versa.
All motorists can also use other sections of the national road network, respecting the permanent traffic organisation in force for them.
The restriction does not apply to road vehicles over 12 tons that carry out public passenger transport, as well as to motor vehicles that transport dangerous goods, live animals, perishable food products and temperature-controlled cargo, and specialised carcass lorries and vehicles of road maintenance companies.
To facilitate traffic, there will also be reverse traffic on the section of road I-1 in the Simitli region, the road agency said.
“Reverse traffic” most commonly refers to reversible lanes — road lanes where the direction of travel changes depending on the time of day to match heavy demand.
This will increase the safety of those travelling to Bansko and the other tourist complexes in the region, it said.
On the last working day, the passage in the direction of Kulata will be carried out in two lanes, and traffic towards Sofia will be carried out in one lane. And on the last day off, Sunday, two lanes will be provided for cars travelling towards Sofia and one for Kulata. The intensity of traffic in the region is constantly monitored and, if necessary, reverse traffic can be introduced on other weekends, the Road Infrastructure Agency said.
(Photo: Johka/ sxc.hu)
