The shortlist of companies applying for the construction of Bulgaria's second bridge on the Danube river will be announced by the end of September.
As quoting the project's administration, Bulgarian national radio informed the contract will be signed with the winner candidate in the period January-March 2006.
The companies approved by the Transport Ministry are Spain's "FCC Construction", the consortium with the participation of the German "Zublin", the "Bilfinger-Berger" joint venture, the Belgian "Bessix" and the German "Hochtief".

The total cost of the project, estimated at EUR 226 M, has been fully assured so far. Bulgarian government has pledged to chip in more than EUR 60.7 M. Besides, the project is also financed by loans and grants from the European Investment Bank, the French Development Agency and the German Credit Institution for Reconstruction and Development.