Hemus motorway: lorries over 12 tonnes restricted near Topli Dol on 30 October

On Friday, 30 October, lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes will be temporarily restricted from using the Hemus motorway towards Botevgrad from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The measure covers the section between kilometre 0, near Sofia, and the Botevgrad interchange at kilometre 47, according to the Road Infrastructure Agency, as reported by Bulgarian National Television (BNT).

What other restrictions are planned?

The same arrangement is planned for Friday, 6 November, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays, 1 and 8 November, lorries over 12 tonnes travelling towards Sofia will face restrictions from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Mondays, 2 and 9 November, traffic restrictions for these vehicles are planned in both directions between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The measures are linked to major repairs at the Topli Dol tunnel and are intended to improve safety and traffic flow during busy periods. According to the announcement, traffic police may allow heavy goods vehicles through earlier than the announced end time if traffic volumes decrease.

Alternative routes and advice

For lorries over 12 tonnes heading towards Vratsa, Montana and Vidin, the Petrohan Pass is an alternative route during the specified periods. Drivers are advised against using the Iskar Gorge because traffic there is limited to one lane due to work to stabilise rocky slopes.

The restrictions apply to the specified heavy goods vehicles, not all vehicles on the motorway. Drivers should follow the Road Infrastructure Agency's latest announcements for any changes to traffic arrangements.

Source: BNT, 29 October 2026, citing the Road Infrastructure Agency.

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