First snowfall: Complicated traffic conditions across the country

The first snow, although on the last day of November, traditionally surprised some of the snow removal companies and some of the drivers.

Traffic on two motorways - "Hemus" and "Struma" - was very difficult in the hours before noon. Due to bad tires, a lorry overturned on the Pass of the Republic.

Currently, roads across the country are passable in winter conditions. The high mountain passes are cleaned and sanded, but drivers must be careful of possible icing at night. It is snowing mainly in the eastern part of the country. The warning is that snow drifts are possible on the roads in Northeastern Bulgaria. It is necessary to travel especially carefully tonight in the districts of Shumen, Targovishte, Dobrich and Varna, where in some places, in addition to snowfall, there is also a strong wind.

A Romanian lorry with unsuitable tires for the winter turned around early in the morning and blocked two of the lanes in direction to Sofia on Hemus motorway. The incident took place between the Topli Dol and Echemishka tunnels and stopped the operation of the snow ploughs in the area. Traffic of heavy vehicles from Botevgrad to the capital had to be temporarily stopped. There was a mile-long queue.

The traffic was restored shortly before noon, but for hours it was heavily loaded on the road to Sofia. Road Infrastructure Agency, however, has remarks on the work of snow removal companies.

"Personally, I'm not happy, to be honest, especially with the maintenance of Struma motorway. There was a delay. Preventive salting was not done, which is important in this case. And it caused traffic, suspensions, in order to start snow cleaning. I am also not satisfied with a section of Hemus motorway, "said Ivaylo Denchev - acting Chairman of the Board of RIA.

More than 10 cm of snow fell on the Petrohan pass, and the wind formed drifts. The traffic through the passage, however, was not stopped.

"I'm travelling from Sofia to Berkovitsa. The road is great, they did very well in this direction and now I'm going to Berkovitsa. I guess it's also very good. The road is perfect for winter conditions," said Ivaylo Krastev, driver.

A lorry carrrying palm oil overturned on the Pass of the Republic. This hindered traffic, but the road remained open and passable in winter conditions. Unsanded sections and lack of chains have caused heavy vehicles to get stuck on the main road Pleven-Byala-Rousse and to seriously impede traffic in the area. Snow also fell in the Rhodope mountains, but the passes Prevala, Rozhen and Pamporovo were cleaned and sanded, and the movement through them was without difficulties.

At this stage, RIA does not say whether and how they will sanction the companies they are not happy with. We must pay attention to another pass - Troyan-Karnare. The movement of heavy lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes is prohibited there. It is currently snowing there. Sanding and snow ploughing are taking place, but drivers are advised to take care.

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