Regional Development and Public Works Deputy Minister Petya Gegova broke the ground for completing the construction of Samokov’s bypass road.

Regional Development and Public Works Deputy Minister Petya Gegova broke the ground for completing the construction of Samokov’s bypass road. “I am happy that after a more than 12-year break work on this construction project is starting again,” Gegova said at the ceremony. The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works encourages work on the project which has been approved by the Regional Council for Regional Development and is in line with the regional and national priorities. Gegova said that the road is important not only for Samokov, but for Sofia Region as a whole, too. The building of the section will reduce traffic through the town and will take the traffic heavy goods vehicles out of the town. The bypass is also important as it links the border checkpoint at Gyueshevo, Doupnitsa, Samokov, Ihtiman and the Trakia motor road. “As regards procedures, there are several alienation procedures yet to be made for which the necessary administrative organization is already in place so there are no obstacles to the implementation of the project,” Gegova said. The construction of the road around Samokov began in 1986. A 2.5 km section in the direction of Doupnitsa was completed in 1992. Another 2.6 km in the direction of Ihtiman remain to be built now for which there is an updated working project. A total of 3.5 million leva are needed for completing the construction project and for the rehabilitation of the existing section. PR and International Activities Directorate