Bulgaria proposes new Struma motorway route to bypass Kresna Gorge

The Ministry of Environment and Water has announced an investment proposal from the Road Infrastructure Agency for a new route of the Struma Motorway. The project aims to divert transit traffic away from the Kresna Gorge, which is a protected Natura 2000 zone.

Following a public discussion held by the Kresna Municipality and the “Save the Kresna Gorge” coalition, the Road Infrastructure Agency is expected to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment report to the Ministry by December 2026. A decision on the assessment is anticipated in March 2027, with a target completion date for construction set for June 2031. Citizens and organizations have until November 8, 2026, to submit written opinions regarding the scope and assignment of the report via the coalition’s website.