On the A1 Sibiu–Pitești motorway, the Momaia Tunnel is entering the next crucial phase of the project. With construction work largely complete, testing of the technical installations and systems is currently underway. iC is responsible for the preliminary and detailed design of the twin-tube tunnel and has supported the project with geological and geotechnical expertise.
From the construction phase to technical operation
The 1.35-kilometre-long Momaia Tunnel forms part of Section 4 of the Sibiu–Pitești motorway, which is 9.86 kilometres long. This section is now approximately 97 per cent complete. As construction work progresses, the focus is increasingly shifting to the technical equipment. Currently, the fire alarm system, ventilation, cameras and the central control system, amongst other things, are being tested and prepared for future use.
A tunnel under special conditions
The Momaia Tunnel was constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). In particular, the varying geological conditions, with layers of clay, silt and sand, placed high demands on planning and implementation. Each of the two tunnel tubes has two lanes and a hard shoulder. Two pedestrian cross-passages and one vehicle cross-passage connect the tubes and form part of the safety concept.
Part of a major European transport axis
The Sibiu–Pitești motorway forms part of Pan-European Corridor IV and is therefore a key transport link between Central and South-Eastern Europe. With preparations underway for its opening, the Momaia Tunnel has now reached another important stage in its construction. Our previous magazine article, “Curtea-de-Argeș Tunnel | A milestone for Romania’s transport infrastructure”, explains the engineering considerations behind the tunnel and how the geological and geotechnical conditions were incorporated into the planning.
