Bulgaria-Romania Danube Bridge Closed for Tractor Trailers

Traffic on the Danube bridge between Bulgaria and Romania is temporarily restricted to a single lane and the bridge is closed for heavy trucks. Photo by BGNES

Tractor trailers and trucks over ten metric tons are banned from using Danube bridge between Bulgaria and Romania Monday.

On Sunday, a large pothole emerged in the "Bulgarian section" of the bridge, which links Bulgaria's Ruse and Romania's Giurgiu. The pothole is approximately 1 meter (3.2 feet) long and 80 centimeters wide and keeps growing, according to Bulgarian media. Asphalt and concrete debris have fallen over the train tracks, which run underneath the bridge.

Three vehicles have been reportedly slightly damaged by the pothole.

Traffic continues to be temporarily restricted to a single lane. Restrictions will be lifted after repairs conclude.

Bulgarian experts are expected to inspect and start fixing the pothole on Monday. The bridge will be fully closed for all vehicles for about two hours around noon over the inspections.