The Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge is set to be closed for 12 hours starting from March 6, 2025, at 17:00 until March 7, 2025, at 05:00, as announced by Bulgarian authorities. This planned closure will affect traffic on both sides of the bridge, restricting all categories of vehicles due to necessary repair work on the Bulgarian side of the structure.
According to officials, the primary reason for closing the bridge is to carry out the monolithic connection between the concrete panels installed on both sides of the roadway on the Bulgarian section of the bridge. This structural work is critically important for enhancing the durability and safety of the bridge, which spans 413 meters across the Danube River, connecting Bulgaria and Romania.
Authorities also mentioned the necessity of this closure as they aim to avoid producing vibrations during the technological process of achieving the initial strength of the concrete. Properly aligning and securing these panels is not only important for the current integrity of the bridge, but it is also aimed at ensuring long-term safety for all vehicles crossing the bridge.
Travelers are advised of several alternative routes to take during the closure, as detailed by the National Company for the Administration of Road Infrastructure (CNAIR). These alternative routes include:
- Călărași (Călărași) – Silistra (road for passenger vehicles and ferry for freight transport);
- Ostrov (Constanța) – Silistra (road for passenger vehicles and bus transport);
- Negru Vodă (Constanța) – Kardam (road);
- Vama Veche (Constanța) – Durankulak (road);
- Calafat (Dolj) – Vidin (road);
- Zimnicea (Teleorman) – Svishtov (ferry);
- Turnu Măgurele (Teleorman) – Nicopole (ferry);
- Bechet (Dolj) – Oreahovo (ferry);
- Lipnița (Constanța) – Kainardja (road, with the border checkpoint open until 20:00 for vehicles with a maximum weight of 3.5 tons);
- Dobromir (Constanța) – Krushari (road, also open until 20:00 for vehicles with the same weight limitation).
Looking beyond the upcoming closure, Bulgarian authorities have noted the possibility of imposing another 12-hour closure at the end of March 2025. This additional closure could be necessary for finalizing the repair work, which is important for overall bridge safety.
With the highway between Bulgaria and Romania seeing significant traffic, especially with freight transport, the announced closures may result in moderate to heavy delays for those using the bridge during the specified times. Travelers are urged to plan their journeys with these changes taken fully, ensuring they have ample time to reroute.
The importance of these repairs cannot be overstated, as maintaining the integrity of such international connections is pivotal for trade and travel between the two nations. Authorities appreciate the public's patience and cooperation during this time, reiteratively stressing the commitment to ensuring safe passage across the bridge when it reopens.