As a result, on 7 August 2026 (Friday) and 9 August 2026 (Sunday), the movement of heavy goods vehicles with a maximum permissible weight exceeding 12 tonnes will be prohibited in both directions on the A1 Trakia and A3 Struma motorways, as well as on the southern section of road I-1. The measure is intended to improve road safety and separate heavy freight traffic from the increased flow of passenger cars travelling towards the Bulgarian and Greek coasts and returning from holiday on Sunday.

Additional truck restrictions related to high temperatures and the protection of road surfaces may also be introduced over the weekend. However, as of late Thursday evening, no official decision had been published regarding a nationwide truck ban due to extreme heat.

Road sections affected by the restrictions:

❌ A1 Trakia motorway – in both directions,

❌ A3 Struma motorway – in both directions,

❌a short southern section of road I-1 between Simitli and Kulata – in both directions.

Hours of the restriction:

– 7 August 2026 (Friday): from 16:00 to 23:00,

– 9 August 2026 (Sunday): from 15:30 to 22:00.

Recommended diversion routes for trucks:

❌ For the A1 Trakia motorway, the recommended diversion is road I-6.

❌ For the A3 Struma motorway and road I-1, the recommended route is:

– road II-19 from Simitli to Gotse Delchev, starting from the junction of roads I-1 and II-19 near Simitli,

– then to the junction with road III-198 in Gotse Delchev,

– further along road III-198 towards Kulata, up to the junction with road III-1981 in Chuchuligovo,

– then along road III-1981 until it connects with road I-1 in the Kulata area.

The same route is recommended in the opposite direction. Drivers may also use other sections of Bulgaria’s national road network, provided that they comply with the permanent traffic regulations and road signs applicable on those roads.

Exceptions: The restriction does not apply to:
– buses,
– vehicles transporting dangerous goods,
– vehicles transporting live animals,
– vehicles transporting perishable foodstuffs,
– vehicles carrying temperature-controlled goods,
– specialised heavy goods vehicles,
– road maintenance vehicles.