200 Million Leva to Fix the Simitli Bottleneck?

In this week’s Buzz:

• Bansko police officer breathalised at morning briefing

• Why are there so many power cuts in town?

• Motorway section in Simitli has 13 bids at tender stage

• Answers to questions about Beehive membership

• Bansko Runclub(ish) member wins first place in Struma Wine Run

• Kempinski Hotel celebrates twenty years with gourmet meal event

Thirteen companies bid to complete next stage of the Struma Motorway — the Simitli extension

If you travel to Bansko from the Sofia area, then you’ll have passed through Simitli: it’s the town at the end of the motorway where you then exit to head up the mountain road towards Bansko.

Over the past few months, the Road Infrastructure Agency (RIA) has put the next stage of the road project (the Simitli section) out for tender, with thirteen companies putting in proposals that ranged from 100 to 200 million leva.

This section of the motorway experiences a bottleneck of traffic during busy periods multiple times throughout the year: it’s the main route people take from Sofia when they want to get away to Greece for a holiday weekend, and some delays can be considerable. The entire project is set to establish a motorway from Sofia to Kulata (at the Greek border).

The Simitli extension will extend the two-lane motorway by 2.7 kilometres and provide entry/exit ramps for Simitli traffic and another exit to the mountain road.

If the bids seem quite high for such a short stretch, they are, but there are several complications with this section, including the railway line/bridge that passes over the road and the contour of the land for safe on/off ramps to both Simitli and Bansko/Razlog.

However, eyebrows were raised when one very low bid was received (40% lower than all of the others), with the RIA rumoured to be asking the company to justify its bid amount (several corruption investigations were opened this year by the EU on some construction projects in Bulgaria).

Construction for this section is expected to commence in 2026 and continue into 2027, so we’ll be experiencing some more disruptions in this area going forward (hopefully not too much though). The RIA has set a completion deadline for the full Sofia-Kulata motorway for the end of 2031.

Read more about the range of bids here.

Questions About Beehive Membership

A few questions popped up after last week’s newsletter announcing Beehive membership, so here are some answers.

What do I actually get that’s not already in the Buzz?
The Beehive gives you more depth and connection: early access to new stories, behind-the-scenes posts, and insider info that didn’t make it to the newsletter (or was held back specifically for The Beehive). Plus, it’s the only place where I can share unfilitered takes, sneak previews, and direct replies to questions for members.
If the Buzz keeps you updated, the Beehive plugs you in.

Is it just to support you or do I get real value?
It’s both. You get to support the newsletter on a monthly basis and you get real perks: exclusive posts, member-only videos, early access, and special offers.

How often will there be new stuff?
Expect around 2-3 fresh posts a week. Stories, behind-the-scenes updates, insider tips, and previews of what’s coming up in the Buzz and the Bansko Notice Board group (and its digital presence).

Can I cancel at any time?
Yes, you can cancel in two clicks/taps. Stay as long as you feel it’s valuable.

Will it be relevant to me if I don’t live in Bansko full-time?
100%. The Beehive is for anyone who loves Bansko: locals, expats, regular visitors, and digital nomads. You get the pulse of the town year-round.

Why now?
Founding members help shape the Buzz and the direction of the Bansko Notice Board’s future digital presence (think videos, podcasts, information articles, downloadable guides, and video experiences). And, you get early access, recognition, and a lifetime discount before the price changes.

👉️ JOIN THE BEEHIVE NOW
(€5/month, cancel anytime)

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 71 New Posts, 💬 149 Comments, 👍️ 713 Reactions

Why Are There So Many Power Cuts in Town?
Daniella posted that she’s been experiencing quite a few power cuts while living in Bansko and wondered if there are any parts of town where these happen more often. See what people had to say.

What Insurance is Required for Me to Submit a Residency Application?
Adam holds an EU passport and wants to submit a residency application, but is wondering about the type of health insurance he needs. See what recommendations people gave.

Where Can I Get Wooden Slat Dividers for an Apartment?
Vincent asked where he could source some wooden slat room dividers for his apartment. See where people suggested.

Can You Still Climb Up to Vihren Peak?
Airhia wants to know if anyone has climbed Vihren Peak and what the conditions are like. See why crampons might be needed if you’re thinking about heading up there.

Local/Municipality News

Mobile Hazardous Waste Collection Point
On Wednesday (15th), from 10am to 4pm, the local municipality has set up a household hazardous waste collection point for anyone in the local area who has some. This will be located in Macedonia Square (location). Read more.

Exit-Entry-System Comes Into Effect Today (Sunday 12th)
The Entry-Exit-System (EES) starts today and covers the entire EU. If you hold citizenship or residency in a European Union country, then your data is already being shared (no extra steps required & it doesn’t impact you all that much). If you don’t, the first time you enter an EU country (at a border and once it’s active in that territory), you will need to submit biometric data (queues likely). Read more.

Municipality Urges Locals to Use Dry Wood and Be Responsible
The local municipality has urged residents to be mindful of burning wood in their homes. To use dry, aged wood and not wet, freshly cut, or wood with toxins/paint on. This usually affects the lower parts of town, but also sees a thick layer of smoke settle further up when there is little wind to blow the smoke blanket away. Read more.

Bansko Police Officer Tests Positive for Alcohol During Morning Shift
On Wednesday (8th), a police officer in Bansko was attending a morning briefing before shift and became involved in a disagreement with another officer. The officer was breathalised and returned a positive test for alcohol. An investigation is now underway. Read more. [Translation required].

Impressive Performances by Bansko Participants at Folklore Festival
The 20th International Folklore Festival took place recently in Mikrevo village (Struma area). Three won first place and one third place. The organisers highlighted one of the first-place winners as 18-year-old Michaela Boyadzhiyska, who received BNR Radio’s best individual performance award. Read more.

Bansko Runclub(ish) Member Comes First in Struma Wine Run
Last weekend, some individuals from Bansko took part in the first 8km Struma Wine Run, with Max (Maxim Henry) winning first place and awarded a 500BGN prize. Nice! Read more.

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Events Next Week

5km Run With Friends on Tuesday
Love to run but don’t want to go on your own? Bansko Runclub(ish) will meet at 6.30pm at Altspace Coworking on Gotse Delchev Street on Tuesday (14th). They go at a leisurely pace and end up at one of Bansko’s bars/pubs. A great way to meet friends in Bansko.

Cacao Ceremony, Biodanza Session and Free-Dance Event
On Saturday (18th), starting at 5pm at Sky Bansko, there will be a cacao ceremony, a biodanza session, and a free-dance event. You can attend one or more of these and the participation fee varies from 15BGN for one part or 30BGN for the whole event. More info.

Pottery Workshop at Sky Bansko
On Saturday (18th), starting at 3pm, there will be a pottery workshop at Sky Bansko. Price is 330 BGN per person and includes the clay, glazes, kiln, tools, and personal assistance. More info.

Twenty Years of Excellence at Kempinski
The Kempinski Hotel is celebrating twenty years of being open in Bansko with a six-course gourmet meal with wine pairing on Saturday, 25th of October. It starts at 7pm and costs 189BGN per person. More info.

Have Information on a Halloween Party?
If you know of any Halloween parties that are planned (or you’re planning one), feel free to reply to this email with the details. I’m compiling a list of Halloween events/parties for issue #66 of the Buzz (in two weeks’ time).

Inside The Beehive 🍯

Photo of the Week

A photo from Pirin Street with the view of Todorka on Bansko Day (October 5th).

Follow @banskobuzz on Instagram.

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