Regional Development Minister: Opening Zheleznitsa Tunnel Is Step Towards Full Transport Connectivity with Neighbouring Countries

Yoanna Vodenova

Regional Development Minister Andrey Tsekov at opening of Struma Motorway's Zheleznitsa tunnel, Feb. 20, 2024 (BTA Photo)

Blagoevgrad, Southwestern Bulgaria,

20.02.2024 18:43

(BTA)

Launching traffic through the Zheleznitsa tunnel of the Struma motorway marks a step forward in Bulgaria's full transport connectivity with its neighbouring countries, in particular with Greece, and in a slightly more distant perspective with the completion of the country's first transport corridor connecting its southern and northern borders, Regional Development Minister Andrey Tsekov said on Tuesday at the symbolic launch ceremony in front of the two-kilometre-long facility.

Tsekov pointed out that the current project, which is part of Lot 3.1 of Struma Motorway, has a long history. It started in 2019 and has "survived seven governments - three regular and four caretaker governments". According to him, it is an example of continuity and sustainability in regional policy, where each of these seven cabinets has contributed to the implementation of a strategic project for the country.

The section is 4.4 kilometres, but it is extremely complex in terms of engineering solutions and is indicative of the capabilities of Bulgarian engineering and technical thought and the capacity of Bulgarian designers, builders and supervisors.

Referring to the section of the highway through the Kresna Gorge, Tsekov said that "today we are further ahead than we were yesterday". In his words, a decision on the remaining section of the Struma Motorway between Simitli and Kresna is expected in the next two weeks. "I sincerely hope that by 2027 - 2028 we will have full highway connectivity between Sofia and Greece", Tsekov added.

/VE/