In brief
Bulgaria’s Road Infrastructure Agency announced that heavy goods vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes will encounter temporary restrictions on the Hemus Motorway between the Sofia exit and the Botevgrad junction on November 13, 15 and 16. The bans apply to trucks traveling out of Sofia on the Friday, towards the capital on the Sunday, and in both directions on the Monday, with alternate routes offered where weather permits. Full tunnel traffic is expected to resume by around December 18, although further partial restrictions may remain until April 2027.
Heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes will face temporary traffic restrictions on Bulgaria’s Hemus Motorway for a series of dates in November as construction crews tackle major repairs to the Topli Dol Tunnel, the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) said on Friday, November 13, 2026. The ban will affect the section between the Sofia exit and the Botevgrad road junction, covering kilometres 0 to 47, according to the RIA’s release.
The restriction schedule is set as follows: on Friday, November 13, trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes traveling out of Sofia will be barred between 3 pm and 9 pm. On Sunday, November 15, the ban shifts to heavy goods vehicles heading toward the capital, from 2 pm to 9 pm. On Monday, November 16, truck traffic will be suspended in both directions from 7 am to 9 am. The agency noted that if traffic volumes fall below expected levels, the police may allow trucks earlier than planned, and additional measures could be introduced to improve traffic flow and safety, depending on the circumstances.
Topli Dol Tunnel Repairs
The Topli Dol Tunnel is a critical artery for freight movement between Sofia and the north‑west of Bulgaria. The RIA said the repair work will involve both tubes of the tunnel, aiming to restore full traffic flow as soon as possible. According to the agency, the tunnel traffic is expected to resume around December 18, ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays. Even after the holiday period, heavy‑vehicle restrictions will resume again on January 11, 2027, as construction works continue in the tunnel’s Santiago‑2019 area until their completion in April 2027.
Alternate Routes and Impact on Commerce
During the 3‑pm to 9‑pm Friday ban, trucks traveling towards Vratsa, Montana and Vidin will have access to alternative routes via the Petǒрhan Mountain Pass and along the second‑class road II‑16, which connects Sofia, Svoge and Rebrovo. The same alternative option will be available on Sunday for heavy goods vehicles travelling toward Sofia, weather permitting. The RIA also added that if traffic volumes decrease, the Traffic Police might introduce early lifting of restrictions to accommodate heavy freight’s critical schedule.
While the agency did not offer a precise cost estimate for the repair, the temporary shortages are likely to increase logistics costs for freight operators reliant on the Hemus route. The BTA’s statements indicate that the temporary diversion will affect vehicle operators and the supply chain, but the RIA did not provide a quantitative outlook on traffic congestion or economic impact.
Sub‑Sequent Restrictions and Road Minor Repairs
Separately, the RIA indicated that traffic arrangements along a two‑kilometre stretch of the Trakia Motorway in Sofia Region will shift temporarily, from Friday until November 17, to accommodate partial repairs to the road surface. The agency’s announcement places the focus on dual aspects—that of tunnel repairs and a separate minor surface restoration—highlighting the extensive commitments needed to keep the transit corridor functional.
Future Roadway Overview and Completion Timeline
The RIA presented a projected sequence: full traffic should resume near the end of December 2026; a brief re‑restriction will take place in January 2027 due to the ongoing construction on the tube leading towards Sofia; and the final completion of the remainder of the project is scheduled for April 2027. The agency has stated that the extended period will allow for the proper completion of drainage, ventilation and safety improvements necessary for heavy‑traffic operators.
Questions Unanswered by the RIA
The agency did not specify whether the temporary restrictions would apply to types of trucks other than those exceeding 12 tonnes, or clarify whether night‑time freight would get any accommodation outside the defined hours. Operators also have yet to learn how the construction schedule will adjust if adverse weather conditions prolong the work. While the RIA emphasized that traffic police may reinforce traffic management, it did not disclose any contingency plan for emergencies that could arise during the open‑air work on the tunnel’s support structure.
As the Hemus Motorway is a central link in Bulgaria’s national freight network—connecting the capital to the northern regions—the staggered restriction and replacement strategy reflects a nuanced approach to maintaining essential freight flow while executing fundamental tunnel repairs. The RIA’s timeline, matched with the alternate routes, presents a comprehensive but evolving picture that stakeholders will need to monitor closely as the schedule converges on the final stages of the project in 2027.
