Vakarel – Belitsa – Panagyurishte Road with a Real Chance for Repair

Following numerous signals and protests from local residents and representatives, a project for the reconstruction of the key republican road III-801, connecting Sofia and Pazardzhik, has been announced.

Member of Parliament from 'Vazrazhdane' Georgi Georgiev raised the issue with the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Shishkov, regarding the poor condition of the Vakarel – Belitsa – Poibrene – Oborishte – Panagyurishte section. He pointed out that despite multiple signals over the years, the problem remains unresolved.

According to Georgiev, road III-801 is an important transportation link for the region, providing the shortest route between Sofia and Panagyurishte, and is of strategic importance for industry and tourism in the Middle Mountain.

He also highlighted the poor state of the route, noting that in many sections the pavement is damaged, there are subsidence issues, and adequate shoulders and markings are absent. Due to the mountainous conditions and limited visibility, the road poses a risk of serious accidents.

Residents in the area are also seriously affected – bus operators are forced to use longer routes via the 'Trakia' motorway, and links to the villages of Poibrene and Oborishte are limited or discontinued.

Minister Shishkov confirmed that repairs are already planned for 65 kilometers of road III-801. The route is divided into two parts – 25 kilometers between Vakarel and Belitsa in Sofia Province and 40 kilometers from Belitsa to Strelcha in Pazardzhik Province.

He announced that adjustments are being made to the technical project for the section in Sofia Province, and there is already an approved project for the major repair of the Pazardzhik section. Coordinating procedures are underway.

Georgi Georgiev emphasized that the news of the completed project is very important for the region since the road is not only significant for locals but also serves as an alternative route in case of incidents and traffic jams on the 'Trakia' motorway.

He called for the repair funds to be secured as quickly as possible so that the project can commence within a short timeframe.

Source: Balkanec.bg