Comprehensive approach to the repair of restraint systems
A serious revision of the regulations for guardrails on highways in Bulgaria is necessary, stated the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov. According to him, mechanical replacement without an in-depth analysis of the problems is ineffective.
"If it turns out that we will later be replacing the replaced ones, we will find ourselves in a very ridiculous situation," the minister commented regarding the quality of the current facilities.
What are the next steps?
- Contract review: A comprehensive audit of all contracts and the condition of road systems has begun.
- State intervention: The public procurement for supply has been terminated, with activities being transferred to the state-owned company "Avtomagistrali".
- Revision of the regulation: An expert debate is forthcoming regarding the standards for restraint systems adopted in 2024.
The example of the Struma motorway, where even guardrails replaced according to requirements failed to stop a heavy goods vehicle, shows that the problem requires an in-depth engineering analysis before additional public funds are spent.