ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR ROAD NETWORK IMPROVEMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

The existing state of the road network is examined. The paper reports on a quantitative, structural and qualitative analysis made with emphasis on main road network, express roads and other transportation link roads of regional and local importance. Concerning the organization of the investment process, the main procedures are pointed out: stages of project cycle, levels of planning, types of programs, information systems used, methodological approaches, criteria and efficiency indicators for analysis, assessment, comparison and giving priorities of road projects. Physical, financial and economic indicators and figures are given in the paper, characterizing the master plan for road network development and maintenance in the period 1985-2005 and the resulting tasks for the 5-year period 1991-1995, including some important road projects. In conclusion, a general conception concerning the investment policy which is to be followed and the tasks for road management system improvement under conditions of economic crisis and transition to market economy.