Romania’s “Highway of Bears” Inches Closer to Completion: A 360km Dream Within Reach
Motorists in Romania are one step closer to enjoying an uninterrupted 360km stretch of highway, thanks to significant progress on the Lugoj-Deva A1 motorway. The Margina-Holdea section, a crucial link in the so-called “Highway of Bears,” has reached a 56% completion rate, according to Cristian Pistol, head of the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR).
Tunnel Vision: Overcoming Complex Terrain
The Margina-Holdea section is particularly challenging due to the presence of two tunnels designed to minimize environmental impact and allow wildlife – including bears – to safely cross the highway. Work on Tunnel 1 is well advanced, with excavation and shotcrete work completed on both galleries. The gallery on path 2 measures 415 meters, while the gallery on path 1 is 367.5 meters long. Hydroisolation has been installed along 340 meters of the path 2 gallery and 324 meters of the path 1 gallery. Remarkably, vehicles can already traverse the path 2 gallery (Nădlac-Sibiu direction).
Excavation is also progressing steadily on Tunnel 2. 930 meters have been excavated in the path 2 gallery (1985m total length) and 1,144 meters in the path 1 gallery (1825m total length). To accelerate work, constructors are opening a new access point in the Sibiu-Nădlac (path 1) gallery, enabling excavation from eight points simultaneously.
A Collaborative Effort: Romanian and Bosnian Expertise
The project is being executed by a joint venture between Romanian and Bosnian construction companies, UMB Spedition and EuroAsfalt. Currently, 330 workers and 85 pieces of machinery are deployed on the site, demonstrating a significant mobilization of resources.
Infrastructure Boost: A New Factory for Bridge Construction
Beyond the tunnels, infrastructure development is in full swing. A platform has been completed to accommodate a factory that will produce girders for the section’s bridges and viaducts, streamlining the construction process.
Economic Impact and Timelines
The contract for the Margina-Holdea section is valued at 1.82 billion lei (without VAT) and is funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Completion is slated for this year, promising a significant boost to regional connectivity and economic growth.
The Bigger Picture: Connecting Romania
Once completed, the Margina-Holdea section will enable uninterrupted travel on the A1 motorway from Boița (Sibiu) to Nădlac, spanning over 360 kilometers. This represents a major step forward in Romania’s infrastructure development and its integration into the European transport network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Highway of Bears”?
A: It’s a nickname for the Lugoj-Deva A1 motorway section, known for the tunnels designed to allow safe passage for wildlife, including bears.
Q: How long are the tunnels on the Margina-Holdea section?
A: Tunnel 1 has galleries of 415 meters and 367.5 meters. Tunnel 2’s galleries are 1985 meters and 1825 meters long.
Q: Who is building the Margina-Holdea section?
A: The project is being carried out by a joint venture between UMB Spedition and EuroAsfalt.
Q: When is the Margina-Holdea section expected to be completed?
A: The project is scheduled for completion this year.
Q: What is the total length of uninterrupted highway travel possible after completion?
A: Over 360 kilometers, from Boița to Nădlac.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on CNAIR’s official website for the latest updates and traffic advisories related to the Lugoj-Deva motorway.
Want to learn more about Romania’s infrastructure projects? Explore our other articles here.
