Another major infrastructure project in Bulgaria is moving forward. The technical project for the construction of the tunnel under Mount Shipka will be ready this year. If approved, the construction of the facility will begin as early as 2025, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov said in response to an inquiry from MP Lyuben Ivanov. The facility is part of the cross-border north-south corridor.

If there are no obstacles to the finalized project and the state issues a construction permit, the long-awaited tunnel under Mount Shipka should be completed by 2029. The tunnel will be 3.2 km long, thus becoming the longest road tunnel in the country. There are also four smaller tunnels, ranging from 90 to 290 meters. Part of the project includes the Gabrovo bypass road, as well as the approach to the tunnel, which have a total length of 10.5 km.