Breaking News: Second Stage of Bulgaria or Neighboring Countries?”>Danube Bridge Repair Launches in Bulgaria, Traffic Halts Imminent
Bulgaria, January 8: The second phase of the repair works on the Bulgarian stretch of the Danube Bridge, connecting Ruse and Giurgiu, has begun, with the project set to conclude by May 15. The hiatus in traffic, initially anticipated, has been averted.
The revitalization of the repair process has led to congestion of truck traffic, prompting the mandatory acquisition of a virtual number for bridge crossing via the private company "Tir Parking Ruse". This requirement has been criticized by truck drivers who have already reported issues with obtaining the necessary passes and incurring additional charges.
Bulgarian PM Dimitar Glavchev has ordered the immediate elimination of these impediments, while Mayor Pencho Milanov of Ruse has clarified that registration in the virtual queue is now mandatory only when traffic congestion occurs.
The repair process, which began on Monday, will see the closure of approximately 413 meters of the bridge’s deck in the direction of Romania. Traffic will continue without interruption, with two-way movement temporarily accommodated within the Bulgarian side of the bridge.
The upcoming weeks will involve dismantling the uncleaned embankments, pedestrian railings, and light fixtures on the Romanian side of the bridge. Works will proceed daily during daylight hours, depending on weather conditions.
The Bulgarian government’s long-term plan involves the completion of the repair works by the end of May 2025. However, the addition of an unpredicted two-week traffic shutdown in April or May is anticipated for the completion of the repair works. Regional Governor D selecciónó Draganov has assured the public that the bridge closure will only last for a few hours.
