The Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) has expressed optimism about receiving a positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Ministry of Environment for the Black Sea Highway project by 2025.
Yordan Bulchev, chairman of the agency, revealed this to Money.bg, outlining key milestones for the project slated to reshape Bulgaria’s transport and tourism landscape.
The Integrated Transport Strategy, adopted in 2017 and outlining goals until 2030, estimates the total cost of the highway at 450 million leva.
Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, with the agency planning to announce a tender for the design of a four-lane road connecting Burgas to Malko Tarnovo. Additionally, plans are underway to explore the doubling of the road from Varna to Dobrich.
A Long-Awaited Vision
The idea of the Black Sea Highway has been on the table for decades. According to Eng. Zhivko Hedev, deputy chairman of the Union of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry “Roads,” the project dates back to 1971 as part of a broader vision for a national highway ring.
Despite delays, Hedev remains confident that the highway will eventually materialize, emphasizing its strategic importance.
“This highway is primarily a tourist route, but it has evolved into a critical transport and ecological concern,” Hedev explained, noting that proposed routes intersect with protected areas, adding an environmental dimension to the project’s planning.
Enhancing Tourism and Connectivity
The Black Sea Highway is seen as a pivotal asset for boosting Black Sea tourism and specialized tourism in Bulgaria.
Its completion is expected to attract a larger number of international visitors, especially from neighboring countries, which remain Bulgaria’s key tourist markets.
The importance of land-based travel was highlighted by recent Eurostat data from 2023, which showed that 58% of trips by EU citizens to another EU country involving at least one overnight stay were made by land, compared to 39% by air and 3% by water. This underscores the value of enhancing Bulgaria’s road infrastructure.
A Strategic Gateway
The highway’s significance extends beyond tourism. Bulgaria sits at the crossroads of five major European strategic corridors, making the Black Sea Highway a vital part of the country’s broader transport network.
This strategic positioning bolsters Bulgaria’s potential as a hub for international travel and trade, supporting both economic and tourism growth.
Challenges and Environmental Concerns
While enthusiasm for the highway is high, challenges persist. Routes passing through ecologically sensitive areas have sparked debates among environmentalists and policymakers. Addressing these concerns while maintaining progress on the project remains a delicate balance for RIA and stakeholders.
Despite these hurdles, the Black Sea Highway represents a transformative opportunity for Bulgaria. If plans proceed as anticipated, construction could bring economic benefits, improve regional connectivity, and solidify Bulgaria’s position as a major tourist destination in Southeast Europe.
With the EIA decision on the horizon, the coming years will be pivotal in determining whether the long-awaited project finally becomes a reality.