The design for the Ruse–Makaza motorway should be ready within a year, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at a press conference in Veliko Tarnovo. He said the design must include the permits and the environmental impact assessment.

Veliko Tarnovo mayor Daniel Panov and regional development minister Ivan Shishkov also took part in the press conference.

Design normally takes almost three years. Radev said intensive work could cut that to one.

Once the design is ready, the government will look for a way to build the road quickly and well, the prime minister said.

The government is looking for extra money for the design work. The 2027 budget will add another €2m.