One of the tubes of the “Topli Dol” tunnel on the A2 “Hemus” Motorway (km 39+487, between Sofia and Botevgrad) has been closed for urgent rehabilitation works, resulting in significant traffic congestion in the area during certain peak periods.

With this regard the movement of goods vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes through the operational tube of the “Topli Dol” tunnel on the “Hemus” Motorway will be prohibited as follows:

• On Friday, 23 October 2026, from 15:00 to 21:00, for trucks travelling towards Botevgrad. Freight vehicles may use road II-81 via the Petrohan Pass or road II-16 through the Iskar Gorge as alternative routes, but only in direction to Botevgrad.
• On Sunday, 25 October 2026, from 14:00 to 21:00, for trucks travelling towards Sofia. Freight vehicles may use road II-81 via the Petrohan Pass or road II-16 through the Iskar Gorge as alternative routes, but only in direction to Sofia.
• On Monday, 26 October 2026, from 07:00 to 09:00, for trucks travelling towards Sofia. No alternative route is available during this period.

Carriers should note that the Petrohan Pass and the Iskar Gorge are generally closed to vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes. Trucks will be permitted to pass only in the set directions and during the specified time periods.

Due to damage to the road surface that occurred today, 23.10.2026, road II-16 cannot be used as an alternative route during the restrictions on heavy goods vehicle traffic through the “Topli Dol” tunnel on the Hemus Motorway. The only remaining alternative for the specified directions and time periods is road II-81.

A speed limit of 50 km/h must be observed when passing through the operational tube of the “Topli Dol” tunnel.

This traffic arrangement is expected to remain in place over the coming weekends until the completion of the maintenance works on the road through the Arabakonak Pass, as announced yesterday. The road authority has assured that both tubes of the tunnel will be temporarily opened to traffic from approximately 18 December 2026 till 11 January 2027. The rehabilitation works on the tunnel are scheduled to be fully completed by the end of April 2027.

AEBTRI will keep you informed of any updates.