A new, 110 milion euro, tunnel opened in Bulgaria

On February 20^th, 2024, Bulgaria's Road Infrastructure Agency achieved a significant milestone with the opening of the Zheleznitsa tunnel. This new project marks a new era of transportation and connectivity.

The tunnel is located on the Struma motorway and spans over 2km, which means that it is the longest road tunnel in the country. The project, valued at approximately 110.1 million euro, includes not only the tunnel but also a 5-kilometer motorway section, service road, helicopter pad, two bridges, and a sturdy retaining wall. All the above aim to improve traveling between Sofia and the Kulata border checkpoint with Greece. This passage facilitates transportation and economic growth together with cultural exchange, and geopolitical cooperation between Europe and Asia.

The construction of the Zheleznitsa tunnel, successfully finished through the collaborative efforts of local entities, e.g. GP Group, Global Construction, and Via Plan. These companies began construction in 2019 under a contract worth 215.4 million levs. Funding for the project was provided by the EU's Cohesion Fund and the Transport Infrastructure 2014-2020 operational program, demonstrating a harmonious partnership between national goals and European Union support. Additional sections of the motorway were completed under separate contracts totaling around 57 million levs.