Heavy snow caused traffic jams on Vratsa-Sofia road

Heavy snowfall caused traffic jams on the road Vratsa – Sofia (North-western Bulgaria) on January 11.

The road E-79 Vratsa - Sofia has been blocked since the morning, a kilometre-long queue of vehicles has formed, which started shortly after the exit of Vratsa in the direction of Sofia. The lorries are are required to drive in the right lane to let traffic of cars move.

Drivers who have been waiting for hours between Vratsa and Mezdra report that traffic jams have formed in the opposite direction from Lyutidol to Mezdra.

Snow ploughing equipment is operating on the route.

It is still snowing in Vratsa region. The snow cover exceeds 10 cm. Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) reports that the traffic of heavy goods vehicles on the Rebarkovo-Lyutidol road has been temporarily restricted due to a broken down lorry.

RIA advises motorists to drive with caution, at an appropriate speed and cars prepared for winter conditions.

As at 17:00, there were traffic disruptions from Botevgrad to Vratsa. It was most difficult for vehicles that were not prepared for driving in winter conditions. Road surface is wet, temperatures are expected to drop significantly during the night.

There is a lot of snow at Shipka pass. The temperature is -10 degrees per Celsius but feels like -15 because of the strong wind. The wind has caused problems to snow cleaning company as well, which has been clearing snow on site all day.

12 snow ploughing machines are clearing snow at Shipka pass, working non-stop.