Dialogue, professionalism, and institutional partnership are the basis for the successful implementation of the project.
An Information Day was held in Byala for the strategically important “Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo” motorway project, co-financed by the European Union under the “Transport Connectivity” Program. The event brought together representatives of the institutions, the contracting authority, the contractor, and the media, and presented the progress made in the implementation of one of the key infrastructure investments in the country. The event was attended by the Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria, Yordanka Chobanova, the Regional Governor of Ruse, Dragomir Draganov, representatives of the Road Infrastructure Agency, the Managing Authority of the program, and representatives of the contractors, part of the “Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo” Consortium – the leading company “Groma Hold”, “European Roads”, “Eterna Construction”, “Vitez Prospect”, and “Putproekt 2000”. Those present emphasized the importance of the project for the socio-economic development of Northern Bulgaria and its role in connecting the country to the Trans-European Transport Network.
In his speech, Eng. Velik Tanushev, representative of “Groma Hold” and head of the consortium “AM Ruse – Tarnovo,” emphasized that the project is progressing at a rapid pace – currently, over 150 specialists and more than 100 pieces of equipment have been mobilized, and a number of preparatory and construction activities have already been completed. At the same time, the challenges are significant – construction on loess soils, prone to subsidence of up to half a meter, requires precise engineering solutions and the application of new technologies. Eng. Tanushev emphasized that with the issuance of a building permit for the entire section, it has become possible to implement the planned pilot sections of the project and the work program. The complexity of the structures, such as the bridge over the Yantra River at km 57+100, which will be built using cantilever concreting, is further proof of the high technical requirements of the project.
To overcome these challenges, contractors are introducing modern engineering solutions, applying impulse compaction of embankments, working in coordination with scientific and design teams, and consulting with international experts. The accelerated mobilization of equipment and personnel ensures the timely completion of tasks, while transparent communication with the Road Infrastructure Agency, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, the program’s managing authority, and local institutions is a prerequisite for trust and efficiency. Eng. Tanushev emphasized that it is precisely the dialogue between institutions, contractors, and the public, combined with the professionalism of the construction teams involved, that is the foundation on which this complex but extremely important project for the region will be implemented. During the event, the official guests and the media had the opportunity to visit the construction site and see for themselves the work that has been done on the construction of one of the viaducts.
Four road junctions, four viaducts, nine large structures, including underpasses, overpasses, agricultural structures, retaining walls, and 44 small structures are part of the project. It is 35.400 km long and provides for 4 lanes and emergency lanes with a design speed of 120 km/h. “The completion of the “Ruse-Veliko Tarnovo” Motorway will eliminate one of the most dangerous road sections in the country – the Byala bypass – increase traffic safety, and improve transport connectivity in Northern Bulgaria. The expected socio-economic benefits include job creation, better accessibility, more opportunities for business development, and a higher quality of life. The project is not only a key element of the national infrastructure, but also a significant contribution to European connectivity along the “North-South” axis, says Viktor Velev, CEO of “Groma Hold”.