Around 490,000 vehicles are expected to depart Sofia during the holiday period around May 24, according to the Road Infrastructure Agency (API), which is preparing for significantly increased traffic on Bulgaria’s main highways and exit routes.
Authorities say the heaviest movement will be along the Trakia motorway, where nearly 204,000 vehicles are expected in the period, followed by the Struma motorway with more than 111,000, and the Hemus motorway with about 85,000. Traffic is forecast to peak on May 22, the final working day before the holiday, and again on May 25, the last day of the break.
The agency notes that on Friday alone, approximately 42,000 vehicles are expected on Trakia, around 24,000 on Struma, and over 18,000 on Hemus, reflecting intense outbound travel from the capital.
To manage congestion, authorities will temporarily restrict the movement of heavy trucks over 12 tons on key routes during peak hours. These limitations will apply on Trakia, Hemus, and Struma motorways, as well as on sections of road I-1 in the Blagoevgrad region, with specific time windows set across May 22, 23, and 25 depending on traffic direction.
Passenger transport, hazardous cargo under ADR regulations, live animals, perishable goods, and temperature-controlled shipments will be exempt from the restrictions. Certain segments of the Trakia motorway will also allow limited exceptions for specific categories of vehicles.
