site.btaRegional Development Minister Tsekov Discusses Infrastructure Projects in Smolyan

Bulgarian Regional Development and Public Works Minister Andrei Tsekov held a working meeting here on Monday with Smolyan Regional Governor Zahari Sirakov, mayors and MPs of the region. Road Infrastructure Agency Management Board Chair Yasen Yordanov also took part in the meeting, Tsekov's Ministry said in a press release.

Tsekov singled out the lack of express roads enabling people and goods to reach the rest of the country faster and more conveniently as the major problem of Smolyan Region. He stressed that his Ministry prioritizes adding a third carriageway totalling 13 km in certain sectors of the Asenovgrad-Smolyan road. A contractor for design of the project is expected to be selected in a couple of months' time. In a separate project, BGN 7.2 million have been budgeted for the design of an entirely new four-carriageway express road linking the Trakia Motorway at Plovdiv with the Greek border at Rudozem-Xanthi via Plovdiv and Smolyan. The approximately 100 km long stretch is planned to accommodate traffic speed of 90 km/h.

One of the most important projects on the list of the Road Infrastructure Agency and the Ministry for 2024-2025 is the construction of the Chepelare ring road that will reroute heavy and through traffic from the town's centre. The 4 km long stretch will cost some BGN 40 million because of the rugged terrain, Tsekov told the mayors and MPs.

The Minister also said that some BGN 100 million will be invested in projects submitted by the municipalities in Smolyan Region for State budget financing. He called on mayors to be active and submit their project proposals when ready. Contracts for 124 projects with municipalities will be signed this week.