site.btaDanube Bridge Traffic to Be Stopped for 4 Hours a Night on August 28-31 Due to Repairs

Traffic on the Danube Bridge at Ruse will be stopped for four hours a night between August 28-31 - each night between 10 pm and 2 am. The reason is the implementation of urgent repair works on the joints and concrete panels of the bridge's structure, the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) said on Friday.

During the restriction, all types of vehicles will be stopped from crossing in both directions. The Bulgarian and Romanian border services and customs have been consulted as the border crossing is less busy at this time of day. RIA apologized to drivers for the inconvenience, but the repair and rehabilitation works are necessary to ensure safe travel.

RIA noted that a public tender for a thorough renovation of the Danube Bridge on the Bulgarian side is expected to be announced by the end of the month, as the facility is in a severe condition.

The Agency pointed out that no major repair of the bridge has been undertaken so far. The joints were strengthened more than 22 years ago, while the waterproofing and asphalt pavement were replaced in 2011.