This is the first lease-based construction contract for a highway segment.
The contract amounts to EUR1.5 billion and will run for a 30-year period.
Berceanu said construction works will start in 2010 and are due in 2014 when the ministry hopes the highway will be open for traffic.
According to the minister, upon the expiry of the lease contract, the state will be able to extend the administration period of the highway, set up a new auction or take over its administration.
The technical assistance for the lease procedure was provided by consortium Louis Berger, Credit Invest and Tuca Zbarcea si Asociatii, under a contract worth EUR3.9 million.
The motorway segment will stretch onto 58 kilometers, divided into two segments: one of 36.2 kilometers between Comarnic and Predeal and another one of 21.8 kilometers, between Predeal and Brasov.
Dana Galben, head of the Lease Department with Transport Ministry, said 80% of lands to be expropriated are owned by the National Forest Administration Romsilva and the National Water Administration Company “Apele Romane,” adding the state will pay EUR180 million per year to builders, for a 26-year period, upon completion of construction works.
Berceanu stressed the ministry plans to build other highways based on lease contracts.