The Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ciprian Șerban, announced on Monday, on his Facebook page, that another 64 kilometers of the ”Union” Highway - Târgu Mureș-Târgu Neamț are entering the design phase, which is a decisive step for the construction of Highway A8 between Transylvania and Moldova.
Thus, the association led by the Romanian constructor UMB begins the design phase within the contracts for lots 1C Sărățeni-Joseni and 2B Grințieș-Pipirig, two of the most difficult highway lots built in Romania.
According to the minister, the two contracts being carried out by the National Road Investment Company (CNIR) were signed last year, have a completion period of 54 months, of which 14 months are for design and 40 months for works, and with the start of this stage, the entire mountain segment between Sărățeni and Pipirig (116 kilometers) is now in the design phase, according to Agerpres.
Lot 1C Sărățeni-Joseni has a length of 32.4 kilometers and spans across the counties of Mureș and Harghita, with over 30 underpasses, three tunnels, and two wildlife crossings to be built along the route.
For Lot 2B Grințieș-Pipirig, the most difficult section of the entire A8 Motorway, the route in Neamț County includes 60 bridges and overpasses and 16 tunnels. For the connection with Lot 2A Ditrău-Grințieș, currently in the design phase, a junction near Tulgheș has been planned, and to the east, for the connection with Lot 2C Pipirig-Vânători Neamț (Leghin), a temporary exit, thus ensuring independent operation.
”We thus reaffirm our commitment and determination to develop modern infrastructure that will ensure connectivity between the historical regions of Romania, attract new investments, and enhance road safety,” the minister also wrote.
In turn, the general director of CNIR, Gabriel Budescu, stated that these 64 kilometers represent highway projects of high technical complexity.
”As of today, all four lots between Sărățeni and Pipirig are in different design stages, a very important step for the realization of this mountainous segment of the A8 Highway. The 64 kilometers represent highway projects of high technical complexity, a technical challenge for the Romanian constructor, who has 14 months to complete the design,” Budescu said.