Struma Motorway: Officials resolve land issues and set 2031 completion target

Bulgarian officials have announced progress on the Struma Motorway project, including the resolution of a regulatory obstacle near Kresna. Minister of Agriculture and Food Plamen Abrovski stated that a new decree has been issued to remove approximately 80 decares of land from the ‘forests in the phase of old age’ status. This land had previously been included in a way that threatened to obstruct the motorway's construction route.

Regarding the project timeline, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Shishkov indicated that the Kresna bypass, which is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the end of next year. This 4.2 km stretch aims to divert transit traffic away from the town to improve safety.

The construction of the final section of the motorway between Krupnik and Kresna is projected to begin in 2027. Officials noted that a realistic deadline for the completion of the full roadway from Sofia to Kulata is 2031.