Bulgaria's road system is underdeveloped and its highway network is seeing significant investment from the EU in terms of funding and expertise. Work on two key highway sections now looks set to move forward. One contract is for the construction of a 34km section of the Maritsa highway. This has been awarded to a consortium comprising Austrian firm Porr Technobau und Umwelt and Bulgarian company Patnostroitelna Tehnika. This consortium won the bidding process in the face of strong competition with a package worth €62.4 million. Meanwhile the tender process for a 17km section of Bulgaria's Struma highway has attracted 19 bidders. The road will connect Dupnitsa with Dolna Dikanya.