After large-scale reconstruction of the southern arc of the Sofia ring road, it is finally time for its western section. It is far more important three of the four trans-European corridors in the country pass through it, but so far the authorities gave priority to the route serving only the richest neighborhoods in the skirts of Vitosha mountain. That is why all international traffic in the direction Europe – Turkey continues to fall into the trap of the west entrance to the city. And because of it it is hardly surprising that many drivers are trying to circumvent the country – whether through Macedonia and Serbia, or through Romania.
In early summer the repair works of the most critical point will kick off – this is where Slivnica Boulevard crosses the ringroad. The junction is part of the overall reconstruction project of the first three kilometers from the so-called Western Arc – from the Lyulin highway to the Kakach river. For the carrying out of the project a total of BGN72 million has been provided. The money will come from the Transport operational program, and the project will also be in position to use the savings from auctions held for Trakia and Maritsa highways.
Offers in the race for selection of contractor submitted 13 companies and associations, and the final ranking is expected to be announced next week. Most of the candidates are well known, having behind them a number of infrastructure projects.
In practice, 22 months after signing the contract with the winner, the Western Arc should like the Southern Arc is looking now – with three active traffic lanes in each direction (total width of 21 m and 3 m dividing line between them), local lanes, each with width of 6 m and 2 m for walkways. It is planned to include two conflict-free intersections – with Queen Joanna Blvd (which currently doesn’t reach to the bypass road around the capital) and Slivnitsa Blvd. (where the largest traffic jams take place). The first one would be similar to the road junction at Cherni Vrah boulevard as the direct path of the ringroad will go on the second level. The same approach will apply to Slivnica Boulevard but instead of circular movement, a traffic light regulated intersection is envisaged.
Sofia Municipality has already announced a contract to build additional stretch of the Queen Joanna boulevard, so that a direct connection from downtown Sofia to Bankya and Kalotina becomes available. Estimated value of the construction is about BGN2 million lev, while bids may be submitted until June 1. The plans are that the stretch should be ready by the end of 2012.
Meanwhile, the municipal enterprise Sofia Project said it was about to finalise the project to connect the junction of Lyulin highway and Sofia ring road to the future Southern speedway.
