The Traffic through Echemishka Tunnel Of Hemus Motorway Was Restored before the Term Set

Prime-Minister Ognyan Gerdzhikov and the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works eng. Spas Popnikolov attended the release of two-way traffic through the left pipe of Echemishka tunnel on Hemus motorway.  

The Prime-Minister emphasized on the major importance of the repair activities being carried out in a short time because otherwise North Bulgaria would have remained with closed transport connections for a long period. He thanked Minister Popnikolov for the established organization and the parties that have implemented the repair. Within 5 days more work has been done than for five years, stressed he.

Minister Popnikolov also expressed appreciation to the people who worked round-the-clock in extreme conditions on the site which indicative deadline for traffic release was February 14. He apologized for the discomfort caused by closing the facility, but he pointed out the securing of safe passing through it as more important in that case. The audit on the other facilities in the country made by the Road Infrastructure Agency has shown that there are tunnels in critical condition. Risk analysis is coming to be made by the road agency which should propose short and long term measures for making them safe.

Echemishka tunnel was closed after a tragic accident on February 5. A special expert committee appointed by the Road Infrastructure Agency suggested technical solution for the fastest possible traffic release in ensured safety. In 24 hour regime of work the old lighting construction has been dismantled as 1625 old lighting fixtures were removed.  To secure the traffic safety emergency lighting with 108 led lighting has been assembled.