Recent Bulgarian infrastructure improvements, including Schengen entry and new highway plans, ease Romanian travel to Greece via improved road networks.
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The article discusses improvements to road infrastructure for Romanian drivers traveling from Romania through Bulgaria to Greece, particularly towards destinations like Thasos and Thessaloniki. Key developments include the easing of travel due to Romania and Bulgaria joining Schengen, the implementation of an online toll payment system at the Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge, and ongoing bridge rehabilitation work in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria is focusing on developing its highway network, especially along the East-West axis and around the capital. Plans include extending the highway from Ruse towards Sofia and further south, connecting Veliko Târnovo through Stara Zagora to the Greek border at Makaza, potentially involving tunnels under the Balkan Mountains via a concession agreement.
Specific construction projects mentioned include:
- A planned highway segment from Ruse to Veliko Târnovo (133 km), part of the pan-European Corridor 9, divided into three lots. The first two lots cost about one billion euros and are partially funded by EU funds.
- Construction has officially begun on the Ruse to Byala section, dubbed the “Forgotten Highway,” which was previously stalled for four years. This segment is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.
Further ambitions include extending the highway from Veliko Târnovo towards Makaza via a concession. For the route to Kulata (towards Thessaloniki), progress has been more modest, with only a 15 km section of the Hemus Highway opened in 2025, and no further major highway inaugurations are expected soon.
Finally, regarding the A2 highway approaching Sofia, drivers currently have rapid road access until Struma A3, where there is an unfinished segment near Kresna, which remains a long-term promise for improved infrastructure.
