site.btaBulgaria, Romania to Investigate Options for New Bridge Over Danube at Rousse-Giurgiu

Sofia, September 27 (BTA) - The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved as grounds for conducting negotiations a Memorandum between the governments of Bulgaria and Romania for in-depth investigation of the options to construct a new bridge across the Danube linking the Bulgarian city of Rousse and the Romanian city of Giurgiu, the Government Information Service said Wednesday.

Analysis shows that traffic across Danube Bridge 1 has increased several-fold, as has trade along the Rheine-Danube corridor (Corridor 7).

The now existing bridge was opened more than 60 years ago and its technical capacity cannot handle the current traffic. It also needs structural rehabilitation, which means that traffic would have to be stopped. This leads to considerable congestions, pressure on infrastructure and other difficulties. A new bridge at Rousse-Giurgiu would considerably ease traffic, reduce the negative impact on the environment and have a comprehensive positive economic effect for both countries.

With the signing of the Memorandum between the governments of Bulgaria and Romania for investigating the opportunities for a new bridge across the Danube the two countries will lay the foundations for improving their transport connection and promoting economic activity in the region.

Local and regional authorities in the two countries also support the construction of the new facility spanning the Danube.