Three Institutions join forces for the National Children's Hospital

Sofia Municipality, the Health Investment Company for Children's Hospital (HICCH), and the Road Infrastructure Agency signed a cooperation and coordination agreement today for the construction of the transport and technical infrastructure ensuring access to the future National Multiprofile Children's Hospital in Sofia. By July 1, 2027, Sofia Municipality  commits to starting construction on the access infrastructure to the hospital, while API will begin work on the unbuilt section of the Sofia Ring Road between Nikola Petkov Boulevard and the Struma Motorway.

The document regulates the cooperation and responsibilities of the three institutions regarding the design and construction of surface and underground infrastructure. It defines their duties in terms of planning, expropriation procedures, project preparation, and construction. Key projects include the missing sections of the Sofia Ring Road and the adjacent road links that will provide access to the hospital complex.

An Inter-institutional Working Group, led by the Investment Company, will coordinate the implementation of the activities. From Sofia Municipality's side, activities will be led by the Deputy Mayor for Public Construction, Nikola Lyutov. The document was signed by the Mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, the Executive Director of HICCH, Desislava Malinova, and the Chairman of the Board of API, Eng. Yordan Valchev.

Statements from the Partners:

• Desislava Malinova (HICCH): Described this as a "first small step" toward a project of national importance that requires united efforts and clear deadlines.
• Eng. Yordan Valchev: Stated that API will build the Ring Road and two roundabouts, which will not only serve the hospital but also ease travel for all Sofia residents. He emphasized the need for timely urban planning and expropriation procedures from the municipality.
• Mayor Vasil Terziev: Confirmed that the municipality will do everything necessary and work in coordination for a successful result.
• Nikola Lyutov (Deputy Mayor): Highlighted that the Ring Road section providing access to the hospital will be a priority, as it is vital for both the hospital and the connectivity of Sofia's western and southern districts with the Trakia and Struma motorways.

Specific Commitments:

• HICCH: Will provide project information, transport and communication analyses, and traffic forecasts generated by the hospital to ensure the infrastructure is sized appropriately.
• API: Responsible for the Ring Road sections between Buxton Blvd and the Struma Motorway, including adjacent infrastructure and two roundabouts. Construction for the section from Nikola Petkov St to the Struma Motorway must start by July 1, 2027, prioritizing hospital access. API will also handle property acquisition and construction management.
• Sofia Municipality: Will provide urban planning data and prioritize the design and construction of the municipal street network. The municipality will ensure engineering infrastructure, including water supply, sewage, road links, sidewalks, street lighting, public transport stops, and rapid/alternative routes for ambulances.
• Additional Infrastructure: An open-air parking lot for free access will be built on municipal land.
• Coordination and Permits: Sofia Municipality will coordinate with utility companies (ESO, Sofiyska Voda, etc.) and is responsible for approving urban plans, issuing building permits, and commissioning the facilities into operation.

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