Geologists and engineers conducted an inspection on a section of the third-class road (III-8641) connecting Smolyan and Pamporovo, which has been impacted by a significant landslide. Marin Kushev, director of the regional road authority in Smolyan, reported that the working group assessed options for immediate stabilization and the construction of a temporary bypass to restore traffic flow until a permanent fix is engineered. The inspection was carried out by a team including engineer Kalin Kalchev and representatives from the road maintenance company.
Kushev stated that after reviewing available options, the most viable immediate solution involves utilizing an existing road that runs above the affected landslide zone. Officials plan to inspect nearby properties to analyze the feasibility of widening the route and establishing passing points to temporarily accommodate vehicles. According to Kushev, a determination regarding the use of this elevated route as a temporary bypass is expected early next week.
While acknowledging that this option presents temporary difficulties, he indicated it represents the fastest means of restoring connectivity. Although preliminary assessments suggest the terrain is in relatively stable condition with no visible signs of active deformation, a final evaluation is still pending. The potential temporary bypass route is estimated to be about one and a half kilometers long.
An alternative route considered—a forest road below the slide—was dismissed because it has also been compromised by displaced earth. Experts noted that the sheer scale of the landslide complicates rapid remediation efforts. Work to determine the best course of action for restoring the road remains ongoing.
Topics: #road #landslide #pamporovo
I hope the assessment leads to a quick and safe solution for the necessary bypass road.