The Road Safety Institute has issued a statement regarding an inspection conducted and the establishment of significant violations and suspicions of corruption practices in the repair and organization of traffic on "Opalchenska" Str. in Sofia. Here is the statement itself:
DEAR MR. TERZIEV,
The Road Safety Institute expresses its categorical concern about the quality of implementation and organization of the repair of "Opalchenska" Str. in the city of Sofia. The accumulated indicators and received signals indicate serious violations of the regulatory framework, disregard for expert recommendations and a dangerously low level of control, as well as grounds for doubts about the good faith of the project management by the Sofia Municipality.
I. Critical technical and infrastructure problems.
1. Unacceptable delay in access to the street network.
For over 20 days after the asphalt paving on Opalchenska Street was laid, the street continues to be closed to traffic, with no visible finishing construction activities being carried out. This creates serious difficulties for citizens and suggests inefficiency in the management of construction activities.
2. Significant defects in the asphalt coating.
During our inspection, we found numerous irregularities on the completed asphalt pavement. Such implementation poses a risk of rapid deterioration of the pavement, which may subsequently endanger the safety of road users due to an unwanted increase in maneuvering vehicles.
3. Ineffective and improperly constructed drainage system.
There are no necessary slopes for water drainage, the drainage shafts are incorrectly located, and the many irregularities prevent the proper drainage of rainwater. This will lead to the formation of puddles during rainfall, and a large part of them will impede pedestrian traffic.
4. Pedestrian infrastructure that does not comply with legal requirements.
A large part of the sidewalks do not comply with Regulation No. RD-02-20-2. These conditions make the environment inaccessible for people with disabilities without an escort, parents with strollers and the elderly. Unnecessary steps have been built, which predispose pedestrians to tripping and subsequent injuries. A case for discrimination has already been filed in this case, according to the Protection from Discrimination Act.
II. Ignoring expert warnings and suspicions of corruption.
The Road Safety Institute has repeatedly notified the Deputy Mayor for Construction of existing and upcoming risks, but the signals were systematically ignored. This calls into question the good faith in the management of the project and creates justified suspicions of corrupt practices within the Sofia Municipality.
III. The remarks from the OPP – SDVR, officially submitted to the Sofia Municipality, were not taken into account.
1. Construction of islands with a low curb to secure the pedestrian crossing at the intersections with „Pirotska“ and „Tsar Simeon“;
2. Installation of anti-parking bollards F159 in the areas of public transport stops;
3. Installation of a SPO or a tubular lattice railing in the dividing strip;
4. Installation of anti-parking posts every 1.5 m at the pedestrian crossing with a traffic light system at ul. „Kiril i Metodiy“;
5. Construction of a pavement with increased traction in the waiting area at the pedestrian traffic light;
6. Provision of power supply and installation of a pole for a speed camera;
7. Anti-parking posts in areas with a sidewalk gauge of over 2.0 m;
8. Cameras for monitoring violators in the BUS lanes
IV. Our demands:
In connection with the above, the Road Safety Institute insists on:
1. Immediate removal of all technical obstacles and opening of the street to traffic;
2. Independent technical and expert audit of the quality of the asphalt coating, the drainage system and the pedestrian infrastructure;
3. Immediate implementation of all recommendations of the OPP – SDVR;
4. Full transparency regarding the contractor, budget, supervision and deadlines of the project;
5. Conducting an investigation by the competent authorities in order to establish the presence or absence of corrupt practices and abuse of public funds.
Sofia cannot afford any more compromises with the security and rights of its citizens. Such cases undermine trust in institutions and in the management of public resources. We hope for urgent action from the municipality, as well as full commitment to improving the environment and safety on “Opalchenska“ Street.
Imperfections in the asphalt pavement with the possibility of water penetration around the railway.
Poorly glued rubberized elements for the blind, which in the absence of constant control and maintenance can lead to a pedestrian tripping and falling.
Poorly designed shaft, which will impede movement during maintenance.
Initial stage of corrosion in new metal poles.
Poorly compacted asphalt around the drainage shaft, which will lead to early formation of holes.
Serious non-compliance in the survey of the railing.
ENC without a crash test. If your administration claims that this element was tested in full-scale laboratory conditions, prove it by providing the test reports and results.
Illogical placement of a bus board and stop. If you claim that this is the correct practice, please cite the European standard according to which it was introduced in the Republic of Bulgaria. We also ask that you provide photographs from other European capitals as evidence of the implementation of this practice. If not, please remove the discrepancy!
Unnecessary and dangerous step!
Violation of corrosion protection, please remove the damage in accordance with quality standards and warranty requirements.
Poor asphalt joints with the possibility of rainwater penetrating the joint and subsequent formation of holes.
An example of unevenness, where puddles will form and pedestrians will be splashed by moving vehicles.
Poor finish in compacting the asphalt.