Road Blockades Between Lom and Kozloduy Spark Fears of Closing Ploe tuần to Plevin: Latest News from Bulgaria

Hundreds Protest Poor Road Conditions in Northwestern Bulgaria, Blockading Highway

Over 600 residents of Kozloduy, Bulgaria, took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the deplorable condition of the highway connecting Lom and Kozloduy, causing a significant traffic disruption. The protesters, driving their vehicles, formed a convoy that blocked the highway, drawing attention to the deteriorating state of the road.

The second-class road, which is part of the emergency evacuation plan for the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, is plagued by potholes and landslides, according to local news outlet bTV. Residents claim that more than 600 vehicles have been damaged in the past few months due to the poor road conditions.

The Asphalt Road Authority (API) has promised to repair a significant portion of the road but stated that the work can only commence once funding is secured through the "Regional Development" program. This leaves the timeline for repairs uncertain.

The disgruntled residents have also filed complaints with the prosecutors’ offices in Montana and Vratsa, demanding that those responsible for the road’s condition be held accountable. Over 2000 signatures have been gathered in support of this initiative.

Last month, on December 19, a similar protest involving over 500 people successfully blocked the highway. This time, protesters are expecting representatives from the government and local deputies to address their concerns. If their demands are not met, protesters have threatened to block the road leading to Pleven.

The protest is a result of years of neglect, with residents expressing frustration over the partial repairs that have been carried out so far. They are now demanding a comprehensive solution to the problem that has been plaguing their community for far too long.