Daniel Băluță and Ciprian Ciucu announced the start of work on a new road underpass in southern Bucharest

Sector 4 Mayor Daniel Băluță and Bucharest General Mayor Ciprian Ciucu announced on Thursday the start of work on the third road underpass built by Sector 4 on Bucharest’s middle ring road. The investment will be carried out at the intersection of Șoseaua Olteniței with Șoseaua Vitan-Bârzești and Sergent Ion Iriceanu Street, to improve traffic flow in southern Bucharest.

The underpass will have a covered length of 442 meters and two traffic lanes in each direction. Through traffic will run underground, while trams will operate at street level on a route structurally separate from the tunnel. The project also includes new sidewalks, lighting, ventilation, drainage, monitoring systems and a 1.5-meter-wide bicycle lane.

The works complete the investments launched with the Europa Unită Underpass, opened to traffic in 2023, and continued with the Apărătorii Patriei Underpass, which is nearing completion. The authorities say the three projects are part of a unified plan to reduce congestion and improve road connections in Bucharest.

Traffic will be restricted in two stages. In the first phase, the first lane and the parking area on Ion Iriceanu Street, as well as the sidewalk and first lane on Șoseaua Vitan-Bârzești, will be affected. After two weeks, the restrictions will extend to the first two lanes and the sidewalk on Vitan-Bârzești. Two lanes in each direction will remain open, and access to the military unit and fire station will remain available.

Ciprian Ciucu said the project reflects a coordinated vision between the Bucharest administration and Sector 4. At his request, the investment was modified to also include a tram line.