Sofia to Relocate Tram Line on Gen. M. D. Skobelev Blvd. Following Court Ruling
Sofia Metropolitan Municipality has initiated a procedure to select an engineering contractor for the relocation of a tram line on Gen. M. D. Skobelev Blvd., between Hristo Botev Blvd. And Vitosha Blvd. The move comes after a court ruling last fall mandated the municipality to address the tram line’s presence on a section of the boulevard, originally installed temporarily in 2010 during the construction of a second metro line.
Project Details and Scope
The selected contractor will be responsible for preparing a working design and executing the construction of a new tram route spanning 430 meters. The technical solution, already approved by the Metropolitan Municipal Council, involves constructing a reinforced concrete ramp above the southern direction of the tram route. This is considered the most optimal option for relocating the line while minimizing disruption to residents, according to Deputy Mayor for Public Works, Nikola Lyutov.
The project includes the dismantling of existing tracks from Tsar Peter Street to Tsar Asen I Street, to be replaced with asphalt-concrete pavement. A one-way local lane, three meters wide, will be constructed to improve access to adjacent residential buildings, along with complete sidewalk repairs from Prague Blvd. To Vitosha Blvd. Rehabilitation of the road surface and sidewalk renovation are as well planned for the northern section, from Patriarch Euthymius Blvd. To Vitosha Blvd.
Traffic Management and Connectivity
A road connection will be provided within the tunnel along the existing tram line’s route, with a diversion to Fritjof Nansen Blvd., connecting to Cherni Vrah Blvd., Bulgaria Blvd., and Evlogi i Hristo Georgievi Blvd. The municipality plans to carry out the construction without a complete stoppage of traffic, with only short-term suspensions as needed.
Investment and Ongoing Tram Network Modernization
The estimated value of the order is BGN 6,210,000 without VAT. The municipality has indicated that investments in Sofia’s tram network will continue throughout 2026, with the preparation of new projects and implementation of construction and repair activities on routes including Maria Luisa Blvd., Copenhagen Blvd., James Boucher Blvd., Hristo Botev Blvd., and sections on 104th Street in the Obelya district.
Background: Court Ruling and Temporary Installation
The court case that prompted this relocation was initiated by citizens who pointed out that the tram track was initially built as a temporary measure in 2010, intended to last only until 2012. The municipality did not accept action to remove the temporary track, leading to the recent court decision.