site.btaMakaza Bypass Nearing Completion After Landslide Disruption

A bypass road around the landslide-damaged section near the Makaza border crossing on the main route to Greece is expected to be completed within 3–4 days, the regional administration in Kardzhali said on Tuesday.

Authorities say the detour has already been paved and marked, with guardrails and signage being installed. The route is important for both Bulgarian and wider European tourism, especially Romanian travellers.

The section on the Greek side was closed in February after a major landslide caused by heavy rains. Traffic between the Kalchas and Nymfaia junctions has since been diverted onto a narrower, winding detour with steep elevation changes.

The road is part of the European route E85 and the Pan-European Corridor IX, linking Northern and Southeastern Europe.