On the Transylvanian highway, not far from Cluj-Napoca, Romanians from UMB have been working since dawn on two sections of the highway, almost 42 kilometers long, difficult sections through the Transylvanian hills – a complex project that is not without bureaucratic problems. In Zimbor, on the border between the two sections of the UMB, a Romanian construction worker is demonstrating exemplary mobilization as part of a major job in which virtually an entire hill is excavated and reinforced to make way for the highway.

UMB is currently operating on the Transylvania A3 in the Cluj-Selaj area, approximately 42 kilometers from the motorway, virtually the first motorway financed by the PNRR.

Spectacular images of the Autostrada Transilvania and the UMB construction worker working to “move” the hill

On the section from Zimbor to Poarta Sălajului (about 12 km), UMB started the actual works in the summer of 2022, and the physical stage of the project has now exceeded 30%.

The contract, signed in July 2020, originally called for 12 months for design and a further 24 months for execution – in other words, it was supposed to be ready this year, from 2023. However, due to bureaucratic reasons, design began almost a year later, and other delays on the part of the state practically led to the project falling behind the originally announced deadlines.

Thus, the current deadline for the completion of the project is the end of 2025.

The works done are impressive, apart from numerous bridges and viaducts, UMB is working intensively on the development of Zimbor Hill, where a serious excavation (pit/cove) needs to be made for the passage of the highway.

To support this mega-excavation on the hill, UMB has to build several retaining walls and 15 berms (wider platforms/steps placed on the slopes to increase their stability).

VIDEO – Image of mega robots from Zimbor Hill:

VIDEO – Image of the works on the entire Zimbor – Poarta Sălajului section:

The A3 section from Nădăşelu to Zimbor will be ready only in 2025

On the 30 km from Nădăşelu to Zimbor, work has been going on since the first days of 2021, but despite the mobilization of the builder, everything has become difficult – large landslides have started in some areas, work has been stopped to find new equipment. decision, as well as to change the route of the highway in some places.

However, CNAIR is conducting a separate design and works tender for these works. All the delays pushed the completion of the site here until sometime in 2025. (the section with additional works and the diverted route can be seen in the video below from 1:10 to 2:00 – Nădăşelu district; and 07:55 to 09:40 – Topa Mică district)

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A3 Nădăşelu – Zimbor:

Section: SECTION 3A AND SECTION 3B, SUBDIVISION 3A2: NADASELU – MICHAESTI AND 3B1: MICHAESTI ZIMBOR

Length: 30.06 km

Entrepreneur: UMB Forwarding Association – Technotrade – Electrical installation

Value: 1.5 billion lei (without VAT) – updated price

Signed contract: September 22, 2020

Duration: 12 months of design + 24 months of execution (the term of the contract has been extended in the meantime)

Physical stage (August 2023): 60%

Execution date: 3rd quarter of 2025

A3 Zimbor – Sălăju gate:

Section: SUBSECTION 3B2: ZIMBOR – GATE OF SALAI

Length: 12.24 km

Entrepreneur: Association SA&PE Construct – Spedition UMB – Tehnostrade

Value: 836 million lei (without VAT) – updated price

Signed contract: July 1, 2020

Duration: 12 months of design + 24 months of execution (the term of the contract has been extended in the meantime)

Physical stage (August 2023): 30%

Execution date: Q4 2025