English
The process of selecting a consultancy firm to prepare the complete documentation for the construction of an expressway running from Radovish via Strumica and Novo Selo to the border with the Republic of Bulgaria has begun, announced Aleksandar Nikoloski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications, during his visit to the Municipality of Radovish today.
“Yes, our idea is to build an expressway running from Radovish via Strumica and Novo Selo to the Bulgarian border, thereby establishing another highway or expressway connection with the Republic of Bulgaria—a project that will lend great significance to this route. At this moment, the procedure to select a firm to prepare all the documentation—ranging from pre-project documentation and environmental and social studies to the feasibility study—is underway. The deadline for submitting bids is October 8, meaning it expires in about ten days. After that, I expect the contractor to be selected,” Nikoloski emphasized.
Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski noted that the studies should be completed within six to nine months, after which the tendering process will follow. “What I want to say is that we will proceed using the Public Enterprise for State Roads’ own funds. The enterprise is in good financial health with strong revenue inflows, so we will be able to build this project. While I won’t make a formal promise just yet, if everything goes well—and assuming a smooth selection process, first for a consultancy firm and subsequently for a contractor—I expect construction work on the ground to begin by autumn. As I mentioned, this will be highly significant; and let me reiterate: we will not stop at Strumica but will extend the route all the way to the Bulgarian border,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski during his visit to Radovish.