Road Infrastructure Agency /API/ appeals to drivers to go on the road with cars prepared for winter conditions. The forecast of meteorologists is for a decrease in temperatures. As it cools down later in the day in Northern Bulgaria and the high valleys of the West, the rain will change to snow. In the regions of Dobrich, Razgrad, Silistra and Shumen there are conditions for icing, warns the API.
The regional road administrations monitor the forecasters’ forecasts by region and, together with the road maintenance companies, take the necessary actions. As a preventive measure, the pavements are treated with chemical substances, salt and sand. The aim is to reduce the conditions for icing and slippage when temperatures drop.
The priority is the motorways, the busiest routes on the first-class and second-class road network and the passages providing the connections between Northern and Southern Bulgaria, reports the API.
To increase traffic safety, if necessary, it is possible to close individual sections of the track for cleaning. Where necessary due to strong winds, snow drifts or poor visibility, traffic may be temporarily restricted until weather conditions improve and travel safety is ensured. If necessary, the movement of heavy goods vehicles can be temporarily restricted in certain sections. Thus, the snow plows will be able to clear the track. This will help prevent traffic jams from forming and blocking traffic, the API reports.
Drivers must drive with caution and appropriate speed, do not make sudden maneuvers, and keep the required distance. As long as they don’t overtake the snowplows. The blocking of traffic by vehicles that are not prepared for winter conditions makes it difficult for all other drivers to travel and the work of specialized equipment.
All citizens and transport companies can receive information about the current road situation and the winter maintenance of the republican network from the website of the API – www.api.bg, as well as at any time of the day by calling 0700 130 20 at the API. A Situation Center operates year-round 24 hours a day, which collects and summarizes data on the state of the republic’s roads.
