The Road Infrastructure National Agency (RINA) has suspended the selection of contractors for the construction of the Stara Zagora-Nova Zagora and Nova Zagora-Yambol stretches of the 361 km Sofia-Bourgas Trakia Motorway, RINA said in a press release on Tuesday, which was the final date for announcement of a ranking for a contractor.

RINA has received a letter from the European Commission's Internal Market and Services Directorate General in connection with the construction of the two stretches of the Trakia Motorway, requesting information on the Agency's position on the issues brought up in the letter.

The EC services have asked RINA not to sign any contracts under the procedures and not to take any other actions whatsoever in connection with the procedures which might confront the Commission with a fait accompli, the press release says.

The letter is prompted by indications of possible breaches of Community law in the public procurement award procedures and the high estimated cost of the projects, and also seeks to avoid complications due to possible irregularities in the future procedure.

RINA Executive Director Yanko Yankov Tuesday signed a decision on suspension of the work of the selection commissions until the final say of the European Commission's on the questions raised.

Eight companies are bidding for the construction of the Stara Zagora - Nova Zagora stretch: Croatia's Konstruktor Engineering, Greece's AKTOR S.A., Turkey's Onur, Austria's Strabag and Alpine Bau, and three Bulgarian consortia, led by Holding Roads AD, GlavBolgarStroy and Trace Group Hold. Practically the same bidders are vying for the Nova Zagora - Yambol stretch, the only difference being Turkey's Dous Insaat ve Tincaret instead of Konstruktor Engineering.

Source: BTA