The planned closure of the Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge, which was set for March 6 and 7, 2025, has been postponed, according to the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR). Authorities from Bulgaria announced this decision, which was reached during a recent technical meeting.
Originally scheduled to close for 12 hours from 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM across both days, the closure was intended to facilitate significant repair work on the bridge. "Decizia de amânare a fost luată de autorităţile bulgare cu atribuţii în gestionarea activităţilor de reparaţie capitală a podului în urma unei şedinţe tehnice recente," stated representatives from CNAIR. This indicates the importance of addressing the structural needs of the bridge, which is 413 meters long and serves as a major point of connectivity between Romania and Bulgaria.
The emergency work will involve monolithic bonding of the concrete panels adjacent to both lanes of traffic. This repair is deemed necessary to maintain safety and structural integrity for all types of vehicles using the bridge.
Prior to the decision to postpone the closure, CNAIR had recommended alternative routes for drivers, considering the various destinations accessed via the bridge. The suggested detours include travel from Călăraşi to Silistra via road for passenger vehicles and by ferry for goods. Other alternatives include routes through:
- Ostrov (Constanța) to Silistra for passenger vehicles;
- Negru Vodă (Constanța) to Kardam via road;
- Vama Veche (Constanța) to Durankulak also by road;
- Calafat (Dolj) to Vidin using roadways;
- Zimnicea (Teleorman) to Svishtov by ferry;
- Turnu Măgurele (Teleorman) to Nicopole via ferry;
- Bechet (Dolj) to Oreahovo by ferry;
- Lipnița (Constanța) to Kainardja via road, accessible for vehicles up to 3.5 tons until 8 PM;
- Dobromir (Constanța) to Krushari using road access for the same vehicle restrictions.
These alternatives are meant to ease traffic flow during the necessary closure period. The Bulgarian authorities have yet to announce the new dates for the expected repairs.
While the closure was initially set to affect transit significantly, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely. Local commuters and businesses reliant on this connection can expect updates as they are made available. CNAIR and regional authorities remain committed to ensuring minimal disruption until the work can be rescheduled efficiently.
For now, travelers using the Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge can continue their journeys uninterrupted and should stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the repair work and any future closures.