ECTP is suing Sarafov about the road connection closed by Terziev between the Ring Road and Bulgaria Blvd.

The European Center for Transport Policies (ECTP) through its chairwoman Diana Rusinova appeals through signal with incoming ID number chief prosecutor in the case of the road connection between road II-16 (Ring Road) and “Bulgaria“ Blvd. This is reported by ECTP.

Here is the full text of the alert:

ALARM REGARDING: a request for verification of the case with the possible inaction of the Metropolitan Municipality regarding the closed road connection between road II-16 (Ring Road) and Blvd. “Bulgaria“ persons in Sofia Municipality with the knowledge of the Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev

DEAR MR SARAFOV, Association “European Center for Transport Policies“ addresses you with this report to request an investigation regarding possible inaction by the Metropolitan Municipality in connection with the closed road connection between road II-16 (Ring Road) and “Bulgaria“ Blvd., which has been closed since 31.05 .2024 to present.

This road link is extremely busy and is of strategic importance to both the capital and the national transport network. It connects important transport arteries and is a key corridor for the movement of people and goods both within Sofia and to the southwestern part of the country.

The closure of this section seriously impedes traffic, creating significant traffic delays and hindering the normal functioning of the transport system.

We believe that the allowed closure of more than four months, in which nothing happens to fix the problem, violates the provisions of Art. 3, para. 1 of the Road Traffic Act (Road Traffic Act), namely: “Persons who manage roads, keep them in good condition with the necessary markings and signaling for the relevant class of road, organize traffic on them in such a way as to ensure conditions for fast and safe movement and to protect the environment from excessive noise and pollution from motor vehicles“.

The lack of action to restore the road connection by the Metropolitan Municipality calls into question the commitment of the competent authorities to the maintenance of the critical infrastructure. Moreover, there is reasonable doubt that such inaction may have consequences that affect not only economic stability, but also national security, by directly impeding free movement on nationally important transport links.

The lack of measures taken to restore traffic or the undertaking of CMR to strengthen the dangerous overpass may be carried out for a selfish purpose, namely to significantly and repeatedly increase the value of the subsequent repair works.

In this context, we ask that a check be carried out on the following matters:

1. On what grounds and was the mayor entitled to. Capital municipality to order the closure of the road connection?

2. at whose expense was the survey carried out and did the mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality have the right to commission similar actions with money from the municipality's budget?

3. What are the reasons for the closure of the road connection and has the Metropolitan Municipality taken any action to restore it?

4. Have measures been taken to look for alternative solutions to ease traffic in the area?

5. Is there a violation of regulations related to the maintenance and operation of the road infrastructure by the municipal administration?

6. What measures have been taken to inform citizens about the state of this infrastructure section and the actions for its restoration?

7. Is national security threatened in this way, given the importance of the road link for national transport traffic?

8. When introducing temporary organization and traffic safety, were all the conditions met according to the provisions of Art. 3, para. 2, para. 3 and para. 4 as well as Art. 14, para. 1 of the ZDvP, as well as all by-laws arising from this article?

DEAR MR SARAFOV, Please order a full check on whether all the provisions of the Roads Act, the Road Traffic Act, the Spatial Planning Act, the Public Procurement Act and all resulting by-laws have been complied with, at the closure of the road connection between SOP and Blvd. “Bulgaria“ by the Metropolitan Municipality.

We ask that, in the event that possible violations or inaction are detected, the necessary legal measures are taken against the responsible persons, in order to restore the normal operation of the road connection and prevent possible risks to national security.