Zanjan‑Tabriz Highway Reopens After Heavy Snow

Road authorities in Iran reported on Tuesday that the main highway linking Zanjan and Tabriz has been reopened after an overnight closure prompted by heavy snowfall and severe blizzard conditions. Officials said continuous clearance operations by highway crews restored traffic after several hours of intensive work.

Speaking to local media, Ibrahim Hasani confirmed that the Peyamber Azam motorway between Zanjan and Tabriz, which had been blocked since the previous night, was cleared and reopened earlier in the day. Hasani emphasised that while the route is now passable, motorists should remain cautious because weather conditions remain unstable and further snow falls are possible.

Zanjan-Tabriz highway reopening: what drivers need to know

The reopening follows round‑the‑clock efforts by road maintenance teams who concentrated on snow removal and ensuring the carriageway was safe for travel. Crews used ploughs and gritters to clear lanes and treat surfaces, enabling convoys and individual vehicles to resume their journeys.

Authorities nevertheless urged residents to avoid non‑essential travel while the cold snap continues. Drivers who must travel are advised to obey traffic regulations, reduce speed in poor visibility and maintain a safe following distance. Officials also recommended carrying warm clothing, food and drinking water and ensuring vehicles are equipped with snow chains.

In a related update from East Azerbaijan province, the head of the road and transport office for Hashtrud county reported severe blizzard conditions at the Nazar‑Kahrizi pass on the Hashtrud‑Maragheh road. He said that although main and secondary roads in the wider area remain open, blizzard conditions have cut access to around 100 villages.

Vahid Akhundzadeh said maintenance teams are working to restore links to affected villages, but stressed that conditions are challenging. He urged travellers to verify road status before setting out and to ensure their vehicles are fitted with chains. He also advised motorists to carry warm clothing and emergency provisions when travelling in the region.

Local disaster and transport authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate clearance operations. Emergency services remain on standby to respond to incidents, and road crews are prepared to reclose sections if conditions deteriorate to protect motorists.

Weather forecasts indicate that cold temperatures and the risk of further snowfalls persist for the coming days. The provincial authorities said they will keep the public informed through official channels and media updates.

For now, travellers are urged to plan journeys carefully, check live road reports and heed warnings from road maintenance teams. The swift reopening of the Zanjan‑Tabriz corridor demonstrates the capacity of local services to respond to winter emergencies, but officials emphasised that public cooperation remains essential to reduce risk and ensure safe movement on the roads.