Bulgaria’s Road Infrastructure Agency (API) has authorized heavy-duty vehicles to use the Petrohan Pass on a one-way basis during specific hours. This temporary measure aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion on the Hemus Motorway caused by the closure of the Topli Dol tunnel for urgent repairs.
Petrohan Pass and Iskar Gorge schedules for heavy traffic
The temporary traffic organization applies specifically to vehicles weighing over 12 tons. According to the Road Infrastructure Agency and Montana Regional Governor Ivan Kamenov, the schedule is as follows:
- On Saturday, October 24, heavy vehicles may use the Petrohan Pass only from Sofia toward Montana between 15:00 and 21:00.
- Sunday, October 25: Traffic is permitted in the opposite direction, from Montana toward Sofia, between 14:00 and 21:00.
Governor Kamenov noted that on Friday, October 23, from 15:00 to 21:00, trucks may only pass through Petrohan from Sofia toward Montana. The Iskar Gorge is also designated as an alternative route, specifically via road II-16 through Eliseyna, Svoge, and Sofia. While these passes typically prohibit vehicles over 12 tons, those restrictions are temporarily lifted during these windows. Police patrols in Montana will monitor compliance with the timing and direction of travel.
Topli Dol tunnel repairs trigger Hemus Motorway delays
The traffic diversion follows the closure of the Sofia-bound tube of the Topli Dol tunnel on October 12. Regional Minister Ivan Shishkov stated the facility is in poor technical condition and repairs cannot be delayed. Currently, all traffic on the motorway is routed through the Varna-bound tube.
The closure has led to kilometers of traffic jams. In response, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has ordered the contractor to move to a two-shift work schedule, with shifts running from 08:00 to 16:00 and 16:00 to 22:00. This two-shift regime began Friday, October 23. Minister Shishkov, who held a meeting lasting less than 15 minutes with the mayors of Botevgrad and Gorna Malina and API leadership, said he requested a precise schedule to ensure the builder does not experience further delays.
Government plans emergency repairs for alternative routes
The government is pursuing three groups of measures to manage the flow. In addition to the Petrohan and Iskar Gorge diversions, the agency plans an emergency repair of the Arabakonashniya Prohod (Arabakonaishki / Arabakonaishkiya pass) — a fourth-class road — which is expected to be completed within 20 days. The primary alternative, the old road through Vitinya, remains unusable for full traffic volumes due to a damaged retaining wall. API has not yet determined the cost of the repairs for the Arabakonashniya pass or the Topli Dol tunnel.
The Chamber of Automobile Transporters has warned drivers to strictly follow the designated hours and directions to avoid fines. The Chamber has questioned the planning of these repairs, noting that alternatives are being discussed only after severe congestion has already occurred.
Hemus Motorway restriction timeline
| Day | Time Window | Direction Restricted |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 15:00 – 21:00 | Toward Varna |
| Sunday | 14:00 – 21:00 | Toward Sofia |
| Monday | 07:00 – 09:00 | Toward Sofia (stopped near Botevgrad) |
Projected timeline for tunnel reopening
Minister Ivan Shishkov stated that the goal is to temporarily restore traffic through both tubes of the Topli Dol tunnel in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Repairs are expected to continue through January 2027. The regional ministry also warned that the road to Pernik via Vladaya will soon be closed for repairs.
Common questions regarding the Hemus traffic changes
Are the viaducts on the Hemus Motorway safe with the increased load?
API Chairman Alexander Todorov stated that the structures were designed in 1964 for 80-ton vehicles, meaning they can safely handle the current traffic volume, as a light car is under 3.5 tons.
What happens to trucks heading to Sofia on Monday morning?
Between 07:00 and 09:00 on Monday, heavy vehicles traveling toward Sofia will be stopped in the Botevgrad area to prioritize light vehicle traffic.
Who is monitoring the alternative routes?
Related reading