DRDP Craiova reports major milestone in Sibiu-Pitești highway tunnel preparation

The Craiova Regional Directorate of Roads and Bridges disclosed that preparatory construction for the Poiana Tunnel on the third segment of the Sibiu-Pitești motorway is now over 80% complete. This segment, considered the most challenging due to the mountainous terrain, requires extensive supporting works such as bridges, viaducts, and tunnels. The launch platform for the tunnel boring machine is slated for completion shortly, after which the assembly of the TBM’s components—already being delivered by the manufacturer—will commence in early October.

The use of TBM technology will allow continuous, controlled excavation, building the tunnel’s structural walls as it advances. The broader highway project aims to connect the Carpathian region, eliminate one outlet bottleneck on the Olt Valley route, and become part of the Pan-European Corridor IV, linking the western border to the capital and the Black Sea port.