A significant landslide destroyed over 60 meters of the Smolyan-Pamporovo road on Friday afternoon, prompting Smolyan Mayor Nikolay Melemov to declare a state of emergency. Initial restrictions began Friday morning when a 10-meter section of the third-class road was closed due to roadway subsidence. Shortly after, a massive crack completely blocked passage, and the affected section grew to about 70 meters, showing widening asphalt cracks indicative of earth shifting.
The landslide occurred in the afternoon, sweeping away dozens of meters of the roadway and pulling down numerous trees. Gas and electricity services were cut for safety. Traffic on Road III-8641 Pamporovo-Smolyan was suspended near the Raykovski Livadi locality.
Detours were established via alternative routes, including the Rozhen Pass. On Saturday, geologists and engineers inspected the site. Marin Kushev, director of the regional road authority, confirmed assessments for temporary stabilization and a bypass road.
He noted plans to inspect properties and analyze widening an existing road above the landslide section to temporarily accommodate traffic, with a decision expected early next week. Preliminary checks suggest the terrain is stable, but a final assessment is pending. Regional authorities confirmed that water and sewerage inspections showed no immediate danger, and both the Pamporovo Dam and its structure were deemed stable following the event.
The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works stated that the required recovery process will involve extensive geological and hydrological studies, followed by a multi-stage design and construction effort, emphasizing a methodical approach to stabilization.
Topics: #road #smolyan #section
