The second bridge over Varna Lake will become part of the future Black Sea highway

The second bridge over Varna Lake will not be built as a separate project but will be designed and constructed as an integral part of the future Black Sea highway. This was stated by Minister of Regional Development Ivan Shishkov during a parliamentary hearing, in response to concerns about the upcoming major repairs to the Asparuhov Bridge.

The minister emphasized that the investment program of the RIA and the National Development Program do not include the design of a second bridge structure as a standalone infrastructure project. Instead, it is included in the expanded conceptual design of the highway.

The minister’s remarks made it clear that the “Black Sea” highway will span the entire eastern transport corridor and extend to the country’s borders. According to him, only through such comprehensive connectivity will these transport corridors “achieve their true purpose.” In addition to these plans, the large-scale construction of the new highway is expected to be carried out through a concession agreement.

Let’s put it this way: it will be extended all the way to the border with Romania, and all the way to the border with Turkey,” Shishkov stated emphatically.

Unlike the existing bridge,the future second bridge over Varna Lake will be located outside the city limits of Varna and will pass west of the “Varna Thermal Power Plant” site. Currently, the project is in the environmental review phase due to the large-scale hydraulic engineering work involved. Initial proposals called for a bridge approximately 550 meters long, but to minimize the impact on the aquatic environment, experts are also exploring alternatives for a structure 200 or 270 meters long.

So far, all options under consideration involve the construction of a second bridge, and the expert team is focused on identifying the most environmentally sound approach as part of the highway route.”

The construction of a second bridge over the lake and the renovation of the Asparuhov Bridge are among the most pressing infrastructure issues for Varna and the region. Currently, the Asparuhov Bridge handles 50,000 vehicles per day.

This is five times its originally designed capacity of 10,000 vehicles. In May 2026, Minister Ivan Shishkov confirmed that the technical assessment of the condition of the Asparuhov Bridge has already been completed and submitted to the RIA on time. Preparations for a technical design procedure for the renovation are pending.

The idea of the new bridge serving as the starting point of the “Black Sea” highway was officially discussed by the RIA as early as August 2024, under acting Minister Violeta Koritarova.

Translated with DeepL.