Reconstruction of the Tsarevo-Malko Tarnovo Bridge after the floods

The "Road Infrastructure" Agency has taken urgent action to secure and restore the bridge over the Izgrevska River on road II-99 Tsarevo - Malko Tarnovo. The infrastructure facility suffered serious damage as a result of the floods on October 3rd of this year. From the first hours after the disaster, teams from the API took urgent measures to ensure the safety of travelers.

As soon as the day dawned, after the waters began to recede, experts from the Agency arrived at the scene. They inspected the damage and made an initial assessment of the damage. The sight was probably not one of the most pleasant, considering the intensity of the natural disaster that affected the area. Work is currently underway to prepare a project for the restoration of the bridge, as well as the construction of a temporary bypass road. The latter measure aims to ensure the connectivity of the villages of Kosti, Kondolovo and Bulgari with the municipal center of Tsarevo.

Until the completion of these activities, traffic will be diverted along municipal roads. The road will pass through Tsarevo – Brodіlovo, and then again along the Tsarevo – Malko Tarnovo road. As an alternative, the third-class road III-907 Bosna - Vizitsa is also indicated. Traffic will be regulated by officers of the "Traffic Police".

Against the background of these efforts, documentation is also being prepared for the assignment of the design, construction and construction supervision of a new bridge structure. This will be built on the site of the compromised bridge. Due to the critical condition of the facility, all activities are carried out under the program for emergency construction activities of the Agency. This approach enables an accelerated procedure for the commencement of construction and installation works. All efforts are aimed at restoring normal traffic in the shortest possible time, as well as ensuring access for residents of the affected area.

It is important to note that the current bridge was built in 1960, according to the standards that were in force at that time. Its structure is built with stone masonry, and the supports are not reinforced with piles. This is the main reason for the compromise of the facility, as a result of the high water wave. For decades, the bridge has not been the subject of major repairs. The last intervention was in 2023, when partial repair works were carried out to improve its condition.