Poland closes S3 expressway tunnels after truck fire damages safety systems
A truck fire at kilometer 344 forced the dual closure of the TS-26 and TS-32 tunnels between Bolków and Kamienna Góra, with traffic diverted via DK5 and DW320 until at least 10 October.
Truck cabin fire halts traffic on expressway S3
Traffic along a vital section of Poland's S3 expressway in Lower Silesia came to a complete halt after a vehicle fire broke out inside a tunnel on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. The fire occurred at kilometer 344 of the route, situated between the Bolków junction and the Kamienna Góra Północ junction in southwestern Poland. Emergency responders received the initial distress calls just before 18:00 regarding a burning commercial truck on the roadway. Firefighters confirmed that the flames engulfed the cab of the heavy goods vehicle. Provincial emergency services stated that no individuals suffered injuries during the incident, and no other passenger vehicles caught fire.
Emergency response and overnight traffic management
The Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Wrocław coordinated the emergency operation, dispatching 8 firefighting vehicles to kilometer 344. Firefighting units from the Jawor district command worked inside the underground tube to suppress the flames, vent heavy smoke, and secure the carriageway. Both the TS-26 and TS-32 tunnels were closed to traffic in both directions shortly after the alarm. To assist motorists stranded behind the blockage, road services temporarily opened one carriageway toward Lubawka at 22:20 on Tuesday evening, allowing trapped vehicles to exit from the Bolków junction. Highway authorities reinstated the full dual-direction closure at 22:45 after clearing the stationary traffic, keeping the route blocked through the night.
Technical evaluations and reopening timeline
On the morning of Wednesday, 7 October 2026, specialized technical teams from the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) began comprehensive inspections across the affected tunnel systems. Diagnostic crews are assessing the physical tunnel lining, power cables, ventilation systems, and automated safety installations that sustained heat or smoke damage during the fire. The road agency confirmed that the route will not reopen until every system passes safety standards:
The section will remain closed until inspections are completed and identified defects are eliminated.
In an update issued at 10:35 on Wednesday, GDDKiA reaffirmed that the TS-26 tunnel remained completely shut from Bolków to Kamienna Góra Północ. Warnings distributed by the Regional Warning System indicate that the closure of both the TS-26 and TS-32 tunnels could continue until Saturday, 10 October 2026. Officials noted that the reopening may face further delays if technical teams identify structural faults requiring replacement components or prolonged repairs.
- Truck cab catches fire on S3 expressway at kilometer 344, triggering dual tunnel closure
- Traffic temporarily opened toward Lubawka to release trapped vehicles from Bolków junction
- Full closure reinstated in both directions for overnight safety
- Jawor fire command confirms ongoing blockage and active detours via DW320
- GDDKiA engineering teams begin technical assessments of damaged tunnel systems
- Earliest projected reopening date under Regional Warning System advisory
Designated detour routes for regional traffic
Because both expressway tunnels remain blocked in both directions between Bolków and Kamienna Góra Północ, authorities established mandatory detours for regional transit. Motorists travelling through the corridor are directed to bypass the closed section via National Road 5 (DK5) and Provincial Road 320 (DW320). At 07:35 on Wednesday, the District Fire Command in Jawor confirmed that traffic diversions onto Provincial Road 320 remained fully active. Polish road officials advised commercial freight operators and passenger drivers traveling across Lower Silesia toward the Czech border to expect extended transit times and strictly follow detour signage until repairs conclude.
