Major Construction Project Underway to Bypass Bulgarian Town of Kresna
A massive infrastructure project is rapidly gaining momentum in the Kresne gorge, with construction of a bypass around the town of Kresna set to dramatically reshape regional traffic flow over the next three to four years. The “Road Infrastructure” Agency recently unveiled details of the bypass, a crucial component of the larger “Struma” Motorway project, specifically lot 3.2.2. This segment encompasses not only the city bypass but also a 10-kilometer extension of the highway itself.
With a projected completion timeframe of 3.5 years, the project is already demonstrating significant progress. According to a company release, over 60 heavy-duty machines and more than 170 construction workers, alongside specialized drilling equipment for bridge foundations, are already on site.
The over 4-kilometer bypass is designed to divert transit traffic eastward around Kresna, alleviating congestion within the town itself. The new route will feature two lanes, with the initial 200 meters integrated into the existing Sofia – Kulata (road I-1) highway. Beyond that point, the route will be entirely new, traversing along the “Tisata” reserve, over road I-1, and alongside the Sofia – Kulata railway line.
The project includes the construction of two bridges spanning the Struma River and another over the Vlahinska River. Furthermore, two tunnels – “Kresna 1” and “Kresna 2” – are planned, measuring 359 meters and 231 meters in length, respectively. At the section’s conclusion, a recreation area complete with shopping facilities and a 100-space parking lot will be established.
Currently, preparatory work is in full swing. Crews are removing topsoil, trees, and shrubs, while simultaneously undertaking partial reconstructions of power lines and irrigation canals. Excavations are being reinforced at the tunnel pre-portal sites, preparing the groundwork for tunnel construction.
Foundations for the bridges are also under construction, with “piles” – 1.2 meters in diameter and totaling approximately 650 meters in length – being installed. Work is also progressing on all planned underpasses, designed to facilitate safe and easy access for farmers to their properties. These crossings will be two-level, incorporating four underpasses.
Recognizing the importance of environmental protection, the project incorporates 22 dedicated passages for reptiles and turtles, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity. To mitigate the risk of landslides and collapses, reinforced nets – 37 meters and 71 meters long – will be installed in two locations, alongside a 119-meter retaining wall.
The design and construction of lot 3.2.2 have been awarded to a Bulgarian-Portuguese consortium, DZZD “Struma – 3.2.2.” The association comprises “GBS Infrastructure Construction” AD, “Glavbolgarstroy International” EAD, “EPOS – Empreza Potrugeza de Obras Subtereneas” AD of Portugal, and “Porto Salvo” EOOD.
The total contract value for lot 3.2.2 is BGN 570,239,136.32, equivalent to EUR 291,558,640.74. Construction supervision has been assigned to DZZD “Struma 2019-PPI-SVS,” a partnership between “Pathinvest-engineering” AD and “SWS engineering Spa” of Italy, Trento, at a cost of BGN 9,413,253.89 (EUR 4,883,860.05) including VAT.
The contract stipulates a construction and assembly period of 1286 calendar days – again, approximately three and a half years. Notably, the “Kresna” road junction, also part of lot 3.2.2 of the “Struma” Motorway, was completed in 2023, adding three new connections to road I-1/E-79/Sofia – Kulata and the Kresna – Sandanski section.
This ambitious project promises to significantly improve transportation infrastructure in the region, fostering economic growth and enhancing connectivity for years to come.
