The passage of passenger cars will be restricted from 09:00 to 21:00, while vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will be unable to use the bridge from 09:00 on 27 March to 09:00 on 28 March.
During the period of restricted access, heavy goods vehicle drivers will be able to use designated parking and rest areas in the districts of Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Yambol and Haskovo.
A map of these waiting areas has been published by the authorities:
Hauliers are advised to take the temporary closure into account when planning their journeys, particularly if they have purchased a prepaid road toll covering the Danube Bridge at Ruse.
Any such toll paid for travel between 09:00 on 27 March and 09:00 on 28 March will not be valid for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes during the closure period.
For example, a road toll ticket purchased on 21 March for travel on 27 March will be unusable if it includes the Danube Bridge at Ruse.
The restriction is due to the pouring of concrete mixtures needed to connect newly installed reinforced concrete panels on the trestle section of the bridge. To ensure the structural integrity of the bridge, no traffic can be allowed during the first 12 hours after pouring.
The National Toll Authority is urging all operators to plan ahead and explore alternative options to avoid delays.
The Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency has published a map outlining the recommended detour routes during the closure period:
As the oldest and busiest Danube crossing between Bulgaria and Romania, the Ruse–Giurgiu Bridge plays a key role in cross-border freight movement. It forms part of Pan-European Transport Corridor IX, serving as a strategic route for hauliers travelling between Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. The temporary closure is therefore expected to affect a substantial volume of international traffic.
