The existing Road I-5 with direction „Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo” is part of the “core” TEN-T network, particularly the newly created (with the recently adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 ) Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea (BBA) European Transport Corridor (ETC). The road I-5 Ruse – BCP Makaza is one of the main road links in central Bulgaria, connecting the Danube Bridge at the Romanian border in Ruse to the Greek border. As an international road it must ensure the unimpeded traffic flows through the Danube bridge to the Bulgarian-Greek border. The TEN-T Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 identifies this part of the corridor as one of the projects for new construction. The road should be modernized in accordance to motorway standards to comply with the characteristics of the TEN-T network. The modernization of the road will increase its capacity and safety and ensure economic efficiency of traffic. The project for the construction of Ruse – Veliko Tarnovo Motorway will contribute for removing infrastructure bottlenecks and improving the quality of services and the continuity of transport flows. The Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo Motorway is divided in three sections: • Section 1 Ruse - Byala: km 0+400 - km 40+640 • Section 2 Byala Bypass: km 40+640 - km 76+040 • Section 3 Byala - Veliko Tarnovo: km 76+040 - km 133+240 Only Sections 1 and 2 are within the the scope of the current application for funding under PTC 2021 - 2027. Section 3 is still at an early stage of preparation with no contracts for implementation signed. The project is currently under implementation. Main parameters of the sections: - Design speed 120 km/h - Gauge 27 m, including: 2x1.0 m (2.00 m) dividing strip; 4x3.50 m traffic lanes; 4x0.50 m leading strips; 2x3.00 m lanes for emergency braking; 2x1.50 m shoulders - Road pavement - for heavy traffic category - Reconstruction of all affected engineering networks and landscaping.