After years of promises and delays, the first section of the A8 Union Highway is starting to take shape.
The works on the 24 kilometers between Târgu Mureș and Miercurea Nirajului have reached approximately 50% physical completion, and authorities say that drivers could travel on the first kilometers as early as the first part of 2027.
The announcement was made by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Transport, Horațiu Cosma, who presented the progress of the works on the first section of the highway that is intended to connect Transylvania to Moldova.
Nearly 800 workers and over 700 pieces of equipment on site
According to the official, the contractor maintains a significant mobilization on the field, with nearly 800 workers and over 700 pieces of equipment and machinery working daily on site.
After a few months with difficult weather conditions, the pace of the works has increased significantly. Earthworks are progressing with over 400,000 cubic meters per month, and the completion rate for this category of works has already exceeded 50%.
An important stage has recently begun: laying the asphalt.
In July, nearly 25,000 tons of asphalt mixtures are scheduled, and in August, the quantity is expected to increase to approximately 40,000 tons.
Bridges and overpasses are completed at 65%
Progress is even more advanced in the case of structures. Bridges and overpasses have reached approximately 65% physical completion.
Out of the nearly 600 beams required for the entire project, over 400 have already been produced, and more than 200 have been installed. Additionally, the contractor has poured over 108,000 cubic meters of concrete so far.
In July, the last works of relocating high-voltage power lines are expected to be completed, allowing the opening of all work fronts along the route.
The Târgu Mureș - Acățari sector, a priority for traffic decongestion
The Ministry of Transport aims to accelerate the works, especially on the segment between Târgu Mureș and Acățari, which will serve as a southern beltway for Târgu Mureș.
"We have discussed with the contractor and have made a plan to prioritize the sector between Târgu Mureș and Acățari, which will function as a true southern beltway of the city of Târgu Mureș. Our objective is to gain a few months ahead of the contractual deadline and to offer the benefits of this investment to drivers as soon as possible," stated Horațiu Cosma.
The official claims that if the current pace is maintained, drivers will be able to travel on the first kilometers of the A8 Union Highway in the first part of 2027.