site.btaEuropean Commission to Provide More than EUR 44 Million from EU's Regional Funds for Gabrovo Bypass Road

European Commission to Provide More than EUR 44 Million from EU's Regional Funds for Gabrovo Bypass Road

Sofia, September 29 (BTA) - The European Commission has approved the provision of more than 44 million euro from the EU's regional funds for the first phase of the construction of a road bypassing the northern city of Gabrovo, the EC Representation in Sofia said on Tuesday.

The bypass road will divert the transit traffic now passing through the city which will help reduce congestions, air and noise pollution, and road accidents.

EC Vice President Kristalina Georgieva is quoted as saying that Gabrovo is one of the most successful Bulgarian cities in terms of EU funding absorption and the newly okayed funding of 44 million euro will achieve excellent results. The funding will go towards the construction and repair works of a total of 23 km of roads in and around Gabrovo so that the transit traffic will be diverted out of the city which will be become cleaner while driving in Gabrovo will be faster and safer, Georgieva said.

The project for the bypass road is funded through the Transport Operational Programme. Through the Cohesion Fund the EU will provide 44.5 million euro of the 55.6 million euro in total investment in the project.