Bulgaria: Topli Dol Tunnel on the Hemus motorway to have two-way traffic from 12 October 2026 (until April 2027)
On the Bulgarian motorway Hemus (A2), a changed traffic layout will apply from Monday, 12 October 2026 (afternoon) in the Topli Dol tunnel at kilometre 39: all traffic in both directions will run jointly through the tube towards Varna. The reason is the continuation of the general overhaul of the tube towards Sofia. The construction work is expected to last until April 2027.
The Bulgarian Road Infrastructure Agency (API) announced the change on 9 October 2026. The tunnel is located on the motorway between Sofia and Varna near Botevgrad. As on all Bulgarian motorways, the regular vignette requirement applies on the Hemus, and the roadworks do not change that.
What applies in the Topli Dol tunnel?
Both directions of travel share the roughly 883-metre-long tube towards Varna. A speed limit of 50 km/h applies in the tunnel. The hard shoulder is not passable and remains clear for emergency vehicles. There is no diversion route directly at the tunnel. API therefore recommends allowing more travel time and using alternative routes where possible.
Schedule until April 2027
Around 18 December 2026, traffic is to run through both tubes again for Christmas and New Year. After around 11 January 2027, the tube towards Sofia will again be restricted to complete the work. The tunnel has been in operation since 1985, and the main overhaul began in November 2023, initially with the tube towards Varna. On 18 July 2025, traffic towards Sofia was temporarily reopened for the summer, also at 50 km/h.
What else is being renovated?
In the tube towards Sofia, reinforcement, sealing and securing of the vault and walls are still pending. In addition, there will be escape galleries, lighting, power supply, ventilation, traffic lights, video surveillance and a fire alarm system. Two cross-connections between the tubes are also being built for evacuation purposes, and the slope at the entrance of the tube towards Varna is being secured against rockfall.
Further roadworks and prices in Bulgaria
Anyone travelling to Bulgaria should also be aware of the vignette price increase in August 2026. On the Maritsa motorway before the Turkish border, joint repairs are also under way at Kapitan Andreevo. You can find all the toll rules in the guide on tolls in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria toll at a glance
For cars, vans, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, as well as motorhomes of class M1 regardless of weight, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and a defined network of other roads. It is a flat amount for a fixed period. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks and buses over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll applies instead, the amount of which depends, among other things, on the distance travelled, number of axles, and emission class. Motorhomes of class M1 (as stated in the vehicle registration document) are exempt from this and only require the vignette, even if their gross vehicle weight exceeds 3.5 t. In addition, a separate special toll applies at the two Danube bridges to Romania (Ruse-Giurgiu in the direction of Romania, Vidin-Calafat in both directions), regardless of the other toll product.
All details on tolls in BulgariaThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
* ASFINAG toll fee (10-day vignette): 12.80 €, toll fee fully covered by DMC, flat price (per monthly billing period): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europe Toll team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good and safe trip along the Hemus! You can find all information on the vignette requirement in our guide to the Bulgaria vignette.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Topli Dol Tunnel
The most important answers about the changed traffic routing on the Bulgarian Hemus motorway.
Where exactly is the construction site located?
In the Topli Dol tunnel on the Hemus motorway (A2) at kilometer 39, near Botevgrad, on the route between Sofia and Varna.
How long will the changed traffic routing be in effect?
Is there a detour around the tunnel?
Do I still need a Bulgarian vignette for the Hemus?
