2024-09-04 23:04:40
The geological studies necessary for the development of the technical project for the construction of the left lane of the Struma highway from Kulata to Sofia and the bypass of Kresna have begun. This happens after the approval of the European Commission, the Berne Convention and the permission of the Ministry of Environment and Water.
The approved route is on the so-called Eastern option Г 10/50, which runs high on the western slopes of Pirin, due to pressure from green NGOs. D 10/50 means that the highway will be 10.50 meters wide – two traffic lanes of 3.5 meters and two guide strips. In many places where there are climbs, the traffic will be in three active lanes.
In order to improve safety, prevent traffic accidents and traffic jams, the “Struma” project from Kresna to Sofia provides for additional emergency stopping areas. They are located on the right side of the road along the route for 500 meters. The platforms are tailored to the location of the tunnels and viaducts. The famous Greek highway Egnatia Odos, which connects Alexandroupolis and Igoumenitsa on the Ionian Sea, has the same route parameters.
The actual construction is expected to start in the spring of next year, after the approval of the technical design. The route of the highway on this Eastern option, which runs along the western slopes of Pirin, is an extremely complex technical facility, reports ekonovini. This is due to the severe environmental requirements that accompanied the project. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is valid since May 2018, requires bypassing and bridging the numerous habitats of protected plant and animal species. This predetermines the construction of a large number of tunnels and viaducts.
Due to the strict environmental requirements, the construction of 18 viaducts, 5 tunnels, 3 overpasses, 3 underpasses and 80 facilities for animals is foreseen. In order to ensure easy transport accessibility to the settlements in the area, 3 road junctions will also be built for the rafters and properties of the local people.
In order to protect the interests of the residents of Kresna, it is planned to build 3 bridges, 2 tunnels, 1 viaduct, 3 agricultural underpasses and 15 facilities for animals on the bypass road of the city. The municipality of Kresna plans to build a parking lot with a commercial area, restaurants and a market for agricultural products next to the Kresna road junction, on an area of about 25 acres.
The left lane of AM Struma from Kulata to Sofia is expected to be ready by 2028. But an important condition for this is that there is no protest from green non-governmental organizations.