The European Commission approves EUR 274 million co-investment for the Struma Motorway in Bulgaria

The European Commission has approved a contribution of EUR 274 million from the EU Cohesion Fund to the Struma Motorway, a major infrastructure project in the Yugozapaden region of South West Bulgaria. Besides providing a faster and safer trans-European connection for EU motorists and carriers, over 600 000 local residents are expected to benefit from shorter travel times, better environmental conditions and connectivity, increasing the attractiveness of their region to business and investment.

Commenting on the decision, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn said "This project improves the region's competitiveness and attractiveness to investors. As well as creating the right conditions for growth and job creation, it also means safer and more sustainable infrastructure for the citizens of Bulgaria and the entire Internal Market."

The project is situated along the Trans European Network for Transport (TEN-T) Priority project 7 and concerns the construction of a dual carriageway between Dolna Dikanya (south of Sofia) and Blagoevgrad (lot 1 and 2) and from Sandanski to the border crossing with Greece at Kulata (lot 4). The total combined length of these three sections is 68.5 km and is due for completion end 2015. The project also foresees the preparation of the more complex construction of the Blagoevgrad-Sandanski section (lot 3) in the budgetary period 2014-2020, which will comprise tunnels bypassing the ecologically sensitive Kresna gorge.

The investment comes through the priority 'Development of road infrastructure along the Trans-European and major national transport axes' of the EU co-financed "Transport" programme for 2007-2013. The Cohesion Fund, will finance EUR 274 million out of a total investment EUR 342 million.