Transilvania Motorway Works Are “Fast Paced” – Romanian PM

"I see the works on the motorway unfolding at a fast pace and with technologies used for the first time in Romania. Even though some of the segments were set to be completed in 2010, they might be completed in 2008. Depending on the state of works, there might be higher funds allocated to the project," Tariceanu said.

He also pointed out the importance of such infrastructure works for the economy and asked for greater involvement by the Ministry of Transport so that problems delaying the works might be solved.

Regarding the delays deplored by the representatives of project constructor Bechtel, Tariceanu said there are funds, but the works need to be certified and the money will come after certification.

According to Tariceanu, the government will allocate between EUR400 and EUR450 million for works on the motorway this year.

U.S. construction company Bechtel started asphalt works on a 25- kilometer road section of Transylvania Motorway, linking central Brasov to western Bors, and completed only five kilometers so far.

The company’s PR manager Bogdan Sgarcitu Tuesday said asphalt works would continue as long as weather allows it, despite the fact that the government is way behind on payments.

Sgarcitu said the Romanian Transport Ministry and the National Roads and Motorways Company urged Bechtel to complete asphalt works on the first 25 kilometers by yearend.

According to Sgarcitu, works are behind schedule over failure to complete land expropriations in the area.

Economy and finance minister Varujan Vosganian said last week the government completed all its “tasks” involving the motorway, adding Bechtel is to blame if things go wrong.

The government assigned an additional RON400 million (nearly EUR112 million) in this year‘s second budget revision for construction works on the motorway.

Stefan Szobotka, communication manager of the motorways company, said mid- May the first 35 kilometers of the motorway would be slated for use in November this year.

He also said Bechtel received a down payment of EUR132 million at the beginning of the year to cover works in the first half of 2008.

Construction works on Transylvania motorway started in 2004 based on a contract worth EUR2.2 billion, which was assigned to U.S. construction company Bechtel.

However, works were halted mid-2005 when the authorities looked into the contracts concluded during previous governments.

Under these circumstances, the initial deadline for the completion of works, set for 2012, was extended by one year.

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