"The Hemus highway to the Pravets tunnel continues to need repairs in certain sections. I hope the state will make the necessary efforts - not just build it and forget about it. It needs maintenance. We should never again allow roads to reach such a state that for years afterwards we cannot repair them". 

Diana Rusinova from the European Center for Transport Policies stated this to BNR.

Missing signs are placed on the Sofia-Lozen road

In recent years, a lot of effort has been put into the repairs of the tunnels, especially on the Hemus highway, to bring them into service, she expressed her opinion.

And he recalled that as early as 2006, a directive was adopted by the EU on minimum rules for their maintenance.

According to her, these rules in the directive are written in a lot of blood, they are the result of several very serious road accidents. 

"What happened yesterday undoubtedly showed that the tunnel's fire protection system worked. This shows that the system works and it works well. The firefighters reacted quickly and the fire was extinguished," commented Rusinova regarding yesterday's incident.

According to her, there is such a system in the "Echemishka" tunnel as well.

In the remaining tunnels, the systems have yet to be brought into service, she pointed out.

As if the inspections, which should be carried out annually - we are a little behind with them, expressed Diana Rusinova's opinion and added:

"More efforts need to be made by the state. We will remain with an outstretched hand in this direction. It is worrying that there are gaps in terms of safety in such facilities." 

Gradual repair of the load-bearing structures of the bridges has begun, she added.

According to her, most of the bridges have been repaired.

However, Rusinova cannot say how well this was done.

According to her, the safety there is a little higher.

However, some problems are still on the agenda, she is categorical and gave an example of poor drainage in some places and the creation of conditions for aquaplaning.