Bulgarian Prime Minister, two ministers, authorities from local administration and senior level managers of Doğuş-Eko Joint Venture were altogether yesterday for the opening ceremony of the Karnobat-Burgas section which is the longest section of the Trakia Motorway constructed so far. The new 35 km long motorway section made Karnobat closer and shortened the way to the capital city by 20 minutes. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Mr. Sergey Stanişev underlined that the infrastructural development was one of the major priorities of the government. Furthermore, he stated that this new motorway section would have positive effects on the regional economy and the daily lives of people living there. Stanişev congratulated the Turkish joint venture Doğuş-Eko for that they have completed the project within its schedule. Doğuş-Eko Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Gönül Talu stated that they have been in good cooperation with the local authorities during the works and added that they would appreciate if they can take part in other infrastructural projects in this country. Talu noted that during the construction of Lot 5, more than 700 personnel most of which were Bulgarian were employed and 40 local companies were involved. The exact length of the completed motorway section is 35.3 km and this section of the Trakia Motorway, the foundation laying ceremony of which was on May 12, 2003 is the longest section constructed so far.

The motorway consists of 4-lanes, 5 bridges, 9 overpasses and 10 underpasses. Red fabric and two speacial stands with Doğuş-Eko flags were brought for the opening ceremony. A small viola garden was also prepared in between the two stands and the red carpets were prepared for the guests to walk on the gravel ground.

After cutting the strap, Prime Minister Stanişev took his way to Burgas together with his accompanients to give prizes of those who attended the bicycle race.