Truck traffic ban in Bulgaria on 10 and 12 July. Disruptions on the route to Greece

On 10 and 12 July 2026, temporary traffic restrictions will apply in Bulgaria for heavy goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeding 12 tonnes. The restrictions will affect the A3 Struma motorway and a section of National Road I-1 through the Kresna Pass, due to increased holiday traffic heading to and returning from Greece.

The restrictions will apply as follows:
• 10 July (Friday) from 16:00 to 23:00 in the direction of the Kulata border crossing,
• 12 July (Sunday) from 15:30 to 22:00 in the direction of Sofia.

The restrictions apply to the following road sections:
• A3 Struma motorway,
• National Road I-1, from the junction with the road to Simitli (km 376), through the Kresna Pass, to the Kresna interchange on the Struma motorway (km 402).

During the restrictions, a diversion has been designated for vehicles travelling to and from the Kulata border crossing. The route follows Road II-19 Simitli – Gotse Delchev, then Road III-198 Gotse Delchev - Kulata, and finally Road III-1981, rejoining Road I-1 near Kulata. The diversion is valid in both directions.

The Bulgarian road infrastructure authority introduced the restrictions in anticipation of increased passenger car traffic travelling to the Greek coast and returning from holiday destinations. The aim is to improve road safety and reduce the risk of congestion on one of the country's main transport corridors leading to the Greek border.

The restrictions do not apply to buses, vehicles transporting dangerous goods (ADR), live animals, perishable foodstuffs, temperature-controlled cargo, specialised vehicles or road maintenance vehicles.

Map (the alternative route is highlighted in green)