Construction of a new expressway with a highway profile - Vidin Region - Dimovo Municipality, Ruzhintsi Municipality

Construction of a new expressway with a highway profile - Vidin Region - Dimovo Municipality, Ruzhintsi Municipality
Modernization of the I-1 (E79) road "Vidin - Botevgrad" Section 2: "Bela" - Ruzhintsi from km 47+000 to km 58+128.47 with a length of 11.128 km

The project for the modernization of the I-1 (E79) road in the section between kilometer 47+000 and kilometer 58+128.47 represents the construction of a new expressway with a highway profile, which is part of the strategic transport axis between Vidin, Central Europe and the southern directions to Greece and Turkey. This is a key infrastructure facility for Northwestern Bulgaria, as it provides a direct connection between the Danube bridge Vidin-Calafat and the "Hemus" motorway, improves traffic capacity and takes transit traffic outside populated areas.
The length of the route is 11.128 kilometers. It is developed outside the existing direction of I-1, with two lanes for traffic in each direction, emergency lanes and a dividing strip, which allows movement up to 120 km/h and significantly higher safety in case of increased freight flow. The geometry is filled with smooth horizontal and vertical curves, ensuring good visibility and comfortable movement on long routes and heavy goods transport. Four bridge structures are being built in the section - over the Skomlya River, over the Barata River, over the I-1 road and the key overpass over the Vidin-Sofia railway line. They are filled with reinforced concrete structures and are designed for long-term operation under high loads, with the individual elements being tailored to the geology and hydrological conditions along the route. Three agricultural underpasses have been built, which guarantee access to adjacent arable land without crossing the main expressway, which eliminates the risk of accidents and maintains continuity of traffic.
A key element of the project is drainage. Along the road, culverts, drains, collectors and trenches have been built to drain surface and groundwater and protect the structure from waterlogging and deformation. This is a key condition for the durability of the road surface and the stability of the embankments. A rest area is also planned at km 50+600, located on both sides of the route. It is intended for short-term stays of light and heavy vehicles, has sanitary and service facilities and is an important element for international traffic.
The road construction is being implemented in stages, with each layer being subject to control and acceptance before construction. Crushed stone material is laid at the base, followed by cement stabilization to increase the bearing capacity. Above them, three asphalt layers are planned - a base layer Ao, a connecting layer /binder with polymer-modified bitumen/, a wearing layer type SMA /split-mastic/, which provides resistance to long-term heavy loads and protection from ruts. The selected type of pavement is consistent with future high-intensity traffic, which implies a long service life and low maintenance in the years to come.
At the moment, the construction has reached approximately 50% completion. The embankments are almost completely completed, and the drainage is about 90% complete, which allows a smooth transition to the final layers. Work on the bridge structures continues in parallel with the construction of the pavement, as the site is already in an active and advanced phase. After the completion of the asphalt works, marking, securing, installation of fences, road signs and finishing elements are to be carried out, after which the section can be put into operation.
The implementation of this section does not just modernize the transport network in the region, but creates a completely new infrastructure axis, which will be the backbone of the economic development of the Northwest. The project leads to higher mobility, shorter transport times, reduced traffic in populated areas and increased safety. This is an investment, the results of which will manifest themselves in the long term – in industry, logistics, trade, attracting production and establishing Bulgaria as a transit point on the European map.