site.btaRuse Danube Bridge Repairs Resume January 8

Repair works on the Bulgarian section of the Danube Bridge near Ruse will resume on Wednesday, January 8, Ruse Regional Governor Dragomir Draganov said during a press conference on Monday. The virtual-queue system will only be in use during times of heavy truck traffic.

The repair work on the 70-year-old bridge began on July 10, 2024, but was temporarily suspended during the Christmas and New Year holidays to make it easier for vehicles to cross the Bulgaria-Romania border at Ruse-Giurgiu. The second of six phases of the bridge's rehabilitation will start on Wednesday and is expected to be completed by the end of May or early June 2025.

"During the repairs, 413 meters of the lane from Bulgaria towards Romania in the viaduct section of the bridge will be temporarily closed for construction work," explained Draganov. He assured that traffic would not be stopped during the repairs, and the bridge itself would not be closed. Work will continue daily during daylight hours, depending on weather conditions, Draganov added.

"The work will be organized so that vehicles will pass in stages, two-way, in the lane where no work is being done," Draganov added.

He also said that all necessary measures would be taken to avoid traffic jams and blockages for both light and heavy vehicles. The repair plan will select the most optimal hours for work to minimize disruptions. 

"We are considering all possible scenarios to reduce any potential difficulties in passenger traffic. Our goal is to avoid such difficulties altogether, and we are in constant contact with all institutions," Draganov said.

The Governor also mentioned that truck drivers will no longer be required to stop or get a number for the virtual queue due to reduced traffic. A meeting with relevant authorities is scheduled in the week to reorganize traffic flow near the bridge.

Additionally, Draganov said that in the next few months, a system for electronic toll payments for heavy trucks will be introduced, which will make border crossing even faster.