Sofia Snowstorm: Traffic Chaos, Bus & Tram Disruptions – January 2024
A significant snowfall disrupted transportation in Sofia, Bulgaria, and access to Vitosha Mountain on Saturday. Road closures, suspended public transit, and stranded vehicles marked a challenging day for commuters and travelers.
Transportation Disrupted
Roads leading from the city to Vitosha Mountain were closed to cars and buses until approximately 10:00 AM. Three city bus lines – 61, 63, and 66 – were temporarily suspended. Reports indicated traffic congestion along the route from Dragalevtsi to Aleko, a key access point for the mountain’s ski slopes.
Service on bus lines 61 and 63, via Boyana to Zlatnite Mostove, was later restored. However, line 66 remained out of service. A ban on private vehicles accessing the mountain between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekends was also put into effect.
Incidents Within the City
Problems extended into the city itself. Passengers were observed pushing bus 120 near the bridge on Cherkovna Street. Images of stalled trolleybuses on central Vasil Levski Boulevard were also shared online. A tram derailed on Hristo Botev Boulevard.
Congestion was reported on the exit from Sofia through Vladaia. The road connecting Sofia to Samokov, the fastest route to the Borovets ski resort, remained closed for a second consecutive day.
Concerns were raised regarding the number of snow removal vehicles deployed. Reports suggest fewer snowplows were operating than during a previous, less severe snowfall. At 8:00 AM, 45 machines were reported clearing streets and boulevards. This number increased to 75 by 10:00 AM and 100 by noon. In comparison, 170 snowplows were reportedly in operation during an earlier snowfall that week.
City officials explained the initial forecast did not predict snowfall in certain areas, potentially contributing to the slower deployment of snow removal equipment.
Areas Targeted for Snow Removal
By 10:30 AM, the city reported that snow removal operations were underway in 11 of Sofia’s 24 districts: Ovcha Kupel, Vitosha, Lyulin, Serdika, Kremikovtsi, Ilinden, Mladost, Bankya, Sredets, Novi Iskar, and Nadezhda, as well as on the municipal road network.
Within Vitosha Nature Park, sanding and snow removal efforts continued on the roads between Dragalevtsi and Aleko, and between Boyana and Zlatnite Mostove.
City officials urged drivers to use vehicles equipped for winter conditions and to drive at appropriate speeds. Property owners were reminded of their responsibility to clear sidewalks and areas around their properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bus lines were affected by the snowfall?
Bus lines 61, 63, and 66 were all affected. Lines 61 and 63 had partial service restored, but line 66 remained suspended.
Was access to Vitosha Mountain restricted?
Yes, roads to Vitosha Mountain were closed to cars and buses until 10:00 AM, and a ban on private vehicles accessing the mountain was in effect from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
How did the number of snow removal vehicles compare to a previous snowfall?
Fewer snow removal vehicles were deployed on Saturday compared to a previous snowfall earlier in the week. 45 machines were reported at 8:00 AM, increasing to 100 by noon, while 170 were used during the earlier event.
As conditions evolve, it is likely that further adjustments to transportation routes and snow removal efforts will be necessary. The continued effectiveness of these measures will depend on the duration and intensity of the snowfall.