On February 6, 2023, the Compania Națională de Investiții Rutiere (CNIR) officially announced its takeover of the feasibility study for the A3 Ploiești-Brașov Highway, marking the resumption of this significant project aimed at enhancing Romania's infrastructure.
The contract was transferred from the Compania Națională de Administrare a Infraestructurii Rutiere (CNAIR) and holds a value of 46.5 million lei (approximately €9.4 million, excluding VAT). This project entails the revision and completion of the feasibility study scheduled to be finalized by April 2025, the development of the Project for Authorization of Construction Works (PAC) with a six-month timeline, and the creation of the Execution Technical Project (PTE) also set for completion within six months.
Gabriel Budescu, the General Director of CNIR, stated, “We have begun analysis of the documentation we have taken over and have requested the designer, Consitrans S.R.L, for an update on the implementation schedule for this project to verify how it can be respected. We plan to launch the tender for the Cristian – Codlea highway sector in Brașov County.” This highlights not only the responsiveness of CNIR to the infrastructural needs of the region but also their proactive approach to project management.
Consitrans S.R.L is responsible for the project’s design, having worked with CNIR since late last year on completing the feasibility study for the A13 Brașov – Bacău dual carriageway. Budescu’s expectations for this collaboration include continuing good cooperation to devise optimal solutions and ensuring timely delivery of quality documentation to the public and stakeholders.
This highway project is anticipated to cover approximately 112 kilometers, initiating from the southern part of Ploiești and extending to Codlea, strategically connecting various key areas. The A3 ties to the existing Bucharest – Ploiești segment and includes the A3 Râșnov – Cristian section, which became operational to traffic in 2020. Upon reaching Codlea, the A3 is set to interconnect via high-speed nodal points with the A13 Sibiu – Făgăraș - Brașov and A13 Brașov – Bacău highways.
With the investment signaling substantial commitment to enhancing Romania’s transport networks, industry experts highlight the project’s potential benefits for economic growth and mobility across the populous cities of Ploiești and Brașov. Better connectivity is expected to facilitate trade and travel, impacting both local residents and businesses positively.
Reviewing progress on the project, Budescu emphasized the importance of not just meeting the deadlines but exceeding quality expectations set by the government and the public. He assures, “Consitrans will continue good collaboration to find optimal solutions for the continuation of the design for the Ploiești – Brașov Highway and assures the Beneficiary and the public it will provide quality documentation.”
Such infrastructure projects typically experience delays due to various circumstances; hence, paying close attention to updates and communication with stakeholders remains imperative. Transparency will play a significant role as the project progresses over the coming months, especially as timelines are affirmed or recalibrated.
The successful realization of this highway is pivotal for not only connecting key transportation routes but also for the socio-economic development of the respective areas it encompasses. Future assessments will need to examine how effectively the highway will bridge economic hubs and facilitate access to services.
Public interest and scrutiny around the highway restart denote the significance of infrastructure development as it aligns with broader goals of sustainability and efficiency within Romania’s transport policies.