Rising river forces bridge closure at Hungary-Slovakia border, traffic disruptions reported elsewhere

The rising water level of the River Ipoly has led authorities to close a key road bridge on the Hungary-Slovakia border, disrupting cross-border traffic in Nógrád County.

According to Police.hu, the Szent-Iványi road bridge between Őrhalom and the Slovak village of Vrbovka (Ipolyvarbó) has been closed after the river began swelling significantly. As a precaution, the Hungarian Public Roads authority ordered the closure of Road 2209 leading to the state border from 10 AM on 7 February.

The measure affects both local residents and international travellers who normally use the crossing between the two settlements.

Alternative route recommended

Drivers are advised to use the Balassagyarmat border crossing instead, which remains open and is currently the only nearby option for crossing between the two countries by road, Telex writes.

Officials have not yet said how long the closure will remain in place, as it depends on the river’s water level and flood conditions.