Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski took part in the official start of construction of the road section from Dolna Dikanya to Dupnitsa, which is part of the “Struma” motorway. The Prime Minister of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov, as well as the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Liliana Pavlova took part in the"first sod". The event was attended also by the chairman of Road Infrastructure Agency Lazar Lazarov and others.

"The amount of money involved, only for the second priority axis of the “Operational Programme On Transport” 2007-2013, will be over 1.752 billion or 90% of the budget of the axis," said Minister Moskovski during the ceremony. According to his words after the start of the project over 3 billion levs will flow into the Bulgarian economy.

The total length of Lot 1 of "Struma" Motorway - "Dolna Dikanya - Dupnitsa" is 17 km. The tender procedure for selecting the contractor was announced on March 9, 2011, and the winner is consortium "Struma-1". Price contract for additional design and construction was 58.5 million levs without VAT. Within Lot 1 in the segment is expected to be built six overpasses, 4 subways, 4 bridges and a viaduct. Silencing barriers between the motorway and settlements, will also be installed.

The project includes construction of overpasses and underpasses for bears, wolves, reptiles and small mammals. A special pipes for turtles will also be constructed. The total length of the "Struma" motorway project, which is financed under “Operational Programm on Transport" 2007-2013, is 132 km. The motorway is part of Pan-European corridor № IV and Pan-European corridor "North - South".