Major Road Projects Underway Amidst Inflation Concerns

Bulgaria is pushing forward with significant road infrastructure projects, including the highly anticipated Byala – Veliko Turnovo highway and the bypass at Kresna on the Struma highway. These projects aim to improve connectivity and reduce travel times across the country. However, rising construction costs and allegations of corruption are casting a shadow over these developments.

Byala – Veliko Turnovo Highway: Addressing Cost Concerns

Recent allegations by PP-DB regarding the cost of the Byala – Veliko Turnovo section, estimated at a record 50 million levs, have sparked public debate. Eng. Yordan Valchev, head of the road agency, addressed these concerns, emphasizing the complexities of the project and the impact of inflation.

Valchev clarified that the initial price estimate of 13 million levs in 2020 was followed by an auction where the project was awarded at 20 million levs. He further stated that construction inflation has since surged by 108%.He defended the current estimated cost by detailing the project’s intricacies:

The price of the first section should be about 42 million, but the second section is more complex – with clover, direct links between two highways… There are 2 km of tunnels and about 9 km of viaducts in this section.
eng. Yordan Valchev, Head of the Road Agency

Valchev also pointed out that comparable projects in Romania have incurred costs of approximately 57 million euros per kilometer, suggesting that the Bulgarian project’s pricing is competitive within the regional context.The projected completion timeline for the Byala – Turnovo road is five years from the contract signing with the selected contractor.

Kresna Bypass and national Road Budget

Construction of the Kresna bypass on the Struma highway is slated to commence between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Valchev acknowledged that this section is particularly challenging and expensive, estimating the cost at approximately 60 million levs per kilometer before indexation. He attributed the high cost to the numerous viaducts and tunnels required for this segment.

Looking ahead, Valchev projected that the highway to Varna will be completed by 2031. Furthermore, he announced plans to survey 4400 km of roads this year, collecting samples to assess construction quality. these efforts are being funded by a road budget of one billion and 680 million BGN, which will enable the construction of 50 km of highways, approximately 100 km of other roads, and the rehabilitation of another 400 km.

Combating Corruption and Ensuring Transparency

In response to corruption allegations, Valchev urged anyone with relevant facts to report it to the appropriate authorities. He asserted his commitment to transparency and professionalism within the road agency.

If anyone has corruption data, there are organs to turn and refer to… The real price,we will understand it by building the road. The price is now estimated to play the auction, and that is the maximum price.
Eng.Yordan Valchev, Head of the Road Agency

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

Improved road infrastructure is crucial for Bulgaria’s economic progress, facilitating trade, tourism, and regional connectivity. The successful completion of these projects, while navigating the challenges of inflation and ensuring transparency, will be vital for the country’s future growth. According to a recent report by the World Bank, investments in infrastructure can lead to a significant increase in GDP and job creation.