More than 12 000km of Bulgaria's road network or nearly 60 per cent of it are in need of repairs.

The number of roads in good condition had considerably gone down, Banker newspaper reported. Such evaluations feature in the Cabinet's strategy for transport infrastructure development.

According to plans the strategy should gain speed in 2007, when the fifth stage of the Transit Roads programme is to begin. The project envisions the repair of 1517km of first class roads and the construction of additional 18km.

Project budget exceeded 1.2 billion leva, Banker reported. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide 380 million euro and the other funds should come from the state budget.

A project of such scale already got many Bulgarian and foreign companies interested, Banker reported. Tenders will be launched in the beginning of 2007. Bulgarian companies are to face strong competition from foreign constructors, which have also expressed interest in the projects.

Another option is for Bulgarian and foreign companies to join forces in a consortium. In this manner Bulgarian companies made sure they met international standards, Banker reported.

Interest in road sections dealing with intense traffic was expected to be highest, the report said.

An international consultant will have strategic role in determining the project executors, Banker reported.