Preparation of technical design and construction of site “Modernization of road I-8 “Kalotina – Hrabarsko road junction” from km 15+500 to km 32+447.20 and stage connections”, Dragoman – Hrabarsko road section

Preparation of technical design and construction of site “Modernization of road I-8 “Kalotina – Hrabarsko road junction” from km 15+500 to km 32+447.20 and stage connections”, Dragoman – Hrabarsko road section

The project envisages modernization and reconstruction to reach motorway gauge for 16.947 km of road I-8 in the direction Kalotina – Hrabarsko road junction, between Dragoman and Hrabarsko road junction (from km 15+500 to km 32+447.20). It is planed that the existing road I-8 will be widened to gauge of 27 m and its geometric elements will be improved in certain areas. The estimated speed shall increase to 110 km/h. Implementation of the project will enhance the road’s capacity and improve traffic safety.

Road I-8 is a main thoroughfare, part of Corridor No. X, and its modernization will contribute to the development and improvement of the redistribution of traffic flows along the Pan-European Transport Corridors No. IV and No. VIII in the direction of the marine border in the city of Burgas, as well as Turkey, and Greece. By its connection with corridor No. IV of the Trans-European transport network, the route will improve the opportunities for the development of tourism and taking advantage of the regions’ tourist potential.

The project aims are to:

• Improve the effectiveness of the national and Trans-European Transport Network;
• Increase travel speed and reduce travel time;
• Improve the cross-border connection with regard to safety and reduction of the number of road accidents;
• Increase the capacity of the cross-border section and reduce traffic congestions by removing the limitations to capacity;
• Increase the passenger and freight flow, both local and international, as a result of better cross-border connection;
• Reduce environmental pollution and the harmful effect on the population due to air pollution and noise;
• Ensure harmonized transport conditions and improved services for the users of the transport infrastructure.

The project includes the following activities:

• Preparation of technical design
• Construction and assembly works
• Preparation of a Comprehensive report for evaluation of compliance of the investment project with the essential requirements for the construction and performance of technical control over the “Construction” part
• Consultancy services during design and construction and performance of road safety audit
• Performance of the functions of “Engineer” and his assigned obligations in this regard within the meaning of the contractual agreement for implementation of design and construction in accordance with the General conditions of contract for plant and design-build, first edition of FIDIC, amended for the purposes of the specific project with the specific ones.

Technical parameters of the site:

Total length of the direct alignment: 16.947 km

Direct alignment from km 15+500 to km 32+447.20 – gauge 27 m

• Traffic lanes – 4 х 3.50 m
• Guiding strips – 4 х 0.50 m
• Emergency stop lanes – 2 х 2.50 m
• Shoulders – 2 х 1.50 m
• Median strip – 1 х 3.00 m

Design speed: 110 km/h

Large facilities included in the Concept project – 11 items, as follows:

• Agricultural underpass at km 15+727 – L=8 m;
• Overpass at km 18+878 – L=64 m;
• Overpass at km 21+006 – L=64 m;
• Underpass at km 23+953 – L=8 m;
• Underpass at km 25+850 – L=18 m;
• Underpass at km 27+332 – L=12 m;
• Overpass at km 29+305 – L=68 m;
• Bridge over the Slivnishka River at km 30+268 km – L=51 m;
• Agricultural underpass at km 30+785 km – L=8 m;
• Railway underpass at 31+063 km – L=14 m;
• Overpass at km 31+984 km – L=64 m=

Additional information:

Financing: 100% state budget under the New Construction Program

Contracting authority: Road Infrastructure Agency

Contractor for the preparation of a technical design and construction (engineering): “GBS – Infrastructure construction” AD

Design and construction contract: No. РД-33-17/ 21.12.2018.

Contract value: BGN 97,800,298.60, VAT excluded (BGN 117,360,358.22, inclusive of VAT)

Procurement procedures:

With Decision No. 11/ 16.02.2018, a procedure was launched for the selection of a contractor for consultancy service – construction supervision (CS), published 16.02.2018. It has been published in the public procurement register at the PPA under No. 00044-2018-0007.