STRUMA MOTORWAY (FL20060411)

The project consists of the construction of three new sections of the 2x2 Struma motorway south of Sofia from Dolna Dikanya to Blagoevgrad (Lots 1 and 2, 53.78 km) and from Damyanitsa to the Greek border at Kulata (Lot 4, 14.70 km). The total combined length is 68.48 km.The section between Blagoevgrad and Damyanitsa (67 km) is not part of this project and in the meantime, the existing I-1 road will ensure continuity. The project is located on the TEN-T network and co-financed with the EU Cohesion Fund.

The new motorway sections will reduce congestion and traffic through the towns along the corridor and will improve urban mobility and safety. The project will increase traffic speeds and thus contribute to travel time and operating cost savings.

The project relates to the construction of a new motorway and falls under Annex I 7b of the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU for which the EIA is mandatory . The Competent Authority approved the EIA (Decision Number 1-1(1)/2008) which describes corrective measures to mtigate the residual environmental impacts. The Appropriate Assessment states that the project in its section between Dupnitsa and Blagoevgrad has significant immitigable impacts for the Natura 2000 site Kocherinovo (BG0002099). Nevertheless, the Competent Authority considered that these are acceptable provided that the mitigation measures stated in the EIA Decision are implemented. To be checked at appraisal.

The project has been procured by the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) and contracts have been awarded through international open tenders in accordance with the Directive 2004/18/EC.