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 to the Hemus, and the construction work does not change this.
What applies in the Topli Dol tunnel?
Both directions of travel share the approximately 883-metre-long tube towards Varna. A speed limit of 50 km/h applies in the tunnel. The hard shoulder cannot be used and remains clear for emergency vehicles. There is no diversion route directly at the tunnel. The API therefore recommends allowing more travel time and using other routes where possible.
Schedule until April 2027
Around 18 December 2026, traffic is expected to run through both tubes again for Christmas and New Year. After around 11 January 2027, the tube towards Sofia will again be restricted in order to complete the work. The tunnel has been in operation since 1985, and the main refurbishment 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 refurbished?
In the tube towards Sofia, reinforcement, waterproofing and securing of the vault and walls are still to be carried out. In addition, there will be escape galleries, lighting, power supply, ventilation, traffic lights, video surveillance and a fire detection system. Furthermore, two cross-connections between the tubes are being built for evacuation purposes, and the slope at the entrance to the tube towards Varna is being secured against rockfall.
Further construction sites and prices in Bulgaria
Anyone travelling to Bulgaria should also be aware of the vignette price increase in August 2026. In addition, joint repair works near Kapitan Andreevo are underway on the Maritsa motorway before the Turkish border. You can find all the rules on toll collection in our guide to tolls in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria toll at a glance
For cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways. It is a flat fee for a fixed period. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll applies instead. Its amount depends on factors such as the distance driven, number of axles and emission class. Motorhomes are excluded from this and need only the vignette, even above 3.5 t GVW. In addition, certain Danube crossings (e.g. bridges, ferries) charge a separate special toll, regardless of any 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.
*Official Bulgarian vignette fee (7-day vignette, category B, as of 2026): 10.00 €, full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good and safe journey on the Hemus motorway! 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?
