Schengen Travel Alert: Bulgaria-Romania Friendship Bridge to Close for Repairs

Schengen Zone Faces Temporary Border Disruption

Travelers between Bulgaria and Romania will face significant disruptions next month as authorities announce an 8-hour complete closure of the Giurgiu-Ruse "Friendship Bridge" for emergency repairs. The critical Schengen crossing will shut down from 8 PM on June 12 until 4 AM on June 13, halting all vehicle traffic in both directions.

Emergency Repairs Require Full Shutdown

Bulgarian authorities confirmed the closure is necessary to prevent vibrations during urgent structural repairs. The Giurgiu Prefecture emphasized this measure cannot be avoided, stating:

"This action is essential to avoid creating vibrations during the repair process".

Schengen Access Drives Traffic Surge

The announcement comes as both countries experience increased border traffic following their land-border Schengen accession on January 1, 2025. Official statistics reveal:

• 587,438 vehicles crossed from Bulgaria to Romania Jan-May 2025
• 199,571 were trucks - a 90,000 increase from 2024
• 76,000 additional passenger vehicles recorded

This surge directly results from eliminated border checks under Schengen rules, despite ongoing bridge repairs on the Bulgarian side.

Travel Advisory for June 12-13

Authorities advise travelers to:

1. Plan alternative routes during the closure window
2. Expect potential delays at nearby crossings
3. Monitor official updates for possible schedule changes

The temporary shutdown highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges as newer Schengen members adapt to increased cross-border mobility.