Regional Minister: Bulgaria Last in EU by Highways

Bulgaria's Minister of Regional Development, Rosen Plevneliev, presented for ambassadors to Sofia and for experts the priorities in Bulgaria's road sector until 2020. Photo by BGNES

Bulgaria only has 3.8 kilometers of highways per 1 000 square kilometers, ranking the country last in EU.

The data was reported Monday at the Council of Ministers by the Minister of Regional Development, Rosen Plevneliev, who presented for ambassadors to Sofia and for experts the priorities of Bulgaria's road sector until 2020.

As comparison, Germany has 32, Italy – 28, Austria – 10, Slovenia – 14, and Lithuania - 6 kilometers of highways per 1 000 square kilometers.

The Minister pointed out if the cabinet manages to finish the 7 highways in the country, Bulgaria would fall in the middle of the ranking.

The government plans to build by the end of its term 288 kilometers of highways, which is more than the total for all 35 years of the Socialist regime, according to Plevneliev.

Between 2014 and 2020, EUR 2.5 B would be needed for the "Struma," "Hemus," and "Black Sea" highways with a total of EUR 5 B for the entire road infrastructure.
"Struma" is the main priority for 2001 with a deadline 2015, the Minister said. Other priorities include the Danube bridges, the tunnel under the "Shipka" peak in Stara Planina, and the road from the capital Sofia to the Kalotina border checkpoint with Serbia and its connection with the Sofia beltway.

Plevneliev explained one of the many reasons for the poor condition of the country's roads was the skyrocketing number of trucks – up to 291 000 and of automobiles – 2.5 millions.

"Trucks are heavy and they wear-out the roads. 60% of passengers and cargo are carried via automobile transport, requiring huge resources for repairs," the Minister pointed out.

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