The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) announced the successful completion of the first large-scale stage of the National Road Safety Program, which covers 36 high-risk sections with a high concentration of traffic incidents.
Currently, experts are finalizing activities on the last two critical sections - the roundabout near the town of Bankya and the route from first-class road I-1 in the area of Gorna Verenitsa, Montana region. Key activities include comprehensive road infrastructure renovation.
At the roundabout connecting the Sofia Ring Road with Struma Highway, significant improvements were made to the 600-meter section. Specialists restored street lighting, replaced barrier systems, and are currently applying precise road markings. As an additional security measure, installation of a safety guardrail in the inner circle of the intersection is planned.
In the section near Gorna Verenitsa, the current activity is related to applying precise road markings, which represents the final stage of the route's overall safety improvement.
RIA emphasizes that all 36 sections will be subject to continuous monitoring of the applied short-term measures to improve road safety. The agency explicitly calls on drivers to be extremely careful, strictly follow traffic rules, and avoid risky maneuvers.
RIA experts point out that the current program does not end with the initially planned 36 routes. The next stage provides measures for an additional 145 high-risk sections covering nearly 500 kilometers.
The additional sections were selected based on an in-depth analysis of dangerous driving maneuvers and the need to update traffic organization. They are an integral part of the Safety Work Program approved by Council of Ministers' Decision on May 9, with the final implementation deadline set by the end of 2026.
The Minister of Regional Development Ivan Ivanov confirmed the program's progress and announced that over 500 kilometers of the republican road network will be rehabilitated within the current and next year.