The modernization of the tram line on Exhibition Boulevard, nearing completion. All details about the up-to-date status of the works

Work on tram line 3 in Bucharest has entered the straight line. According to the information sent to “Adevărul” by the representatives of the constructor, the company PORR Romania, the modernization of the 2 km of double line on Bulevardul Expoziței, Strada Aviator Popișteanu, Strada Puțul lui Crăciun, Strada Dornei and Strada Clăbucet registers an advance of almost 90% and could be completed in April 2026.

Works on the tram line on Exhibition Boulevard. PHOTO: The truth

The City Hall of the Capital has an extensive program for the modernization of the tram infrastructure. Started in September 2022 by the former general mayor, Nicușor Dan, it aims to completely replace approximately 50 kilometers of tram infrastructure.

The objective is to optimize the flow of traffic in the capital of Romania and prepare the infrastructure for the introduction of Astra Imperio trams. The most advanced lot is the one on Barbu Văcărescu Boulevard, on the section between Şoseaua Ștefan cel Mare and Podul Băneasa (4.25 km), where the works have been completed, and the circulation of tram 5 is to be resumed in the next period.

Work progress on lot 11 has reached almost 90%

The next inauguration is expected on lot 11, 2 km long, which includes tram line 3 on Bulevardul Expozizionei, Strada Aviator Popișteanu, Strada Puțul lui Crăciun, Strada Dornei and Strada Clăbucet. Despite the fact that works are being carried out in the area for the M6 ​​metro line, the builder managed to complete most of the works.

The rail is currently positioned and the monolithic concrete layer has been poured. As soon as the weather conditions are favorable, the builder assures, the workers will start the welding work. Next, they will pour the concrete embedment layer and lay the layers of asphalt mixtures.

“On a double-track section where the works of the Bucharest tram lot 11 project conflicted with the construction works of a ventilation plant on the M6 route, the site was handed over to us by the constructor of the respective metro line towards the end of January 2026. In the meantime, the infrastructure has been completed, the rail currently being positioned. Also, the monolithic concrete layer has been poured, as soon as the weather will allow us to do this, to move on to the welding work, pouring the concrete embedment layer and laying the layers of asphalt mixtures”, the representatives of PORR Romania sent for “Adevărul”.

The traffic restrictions imposed at the 1 Mai intersection, also due to Highway 6, also dictated the pace of works on Strada Clăbucet. The workers could act here only after completing the rehabilitation of Puțul lui Crăciun Street, at the end of 2025. This phasing allowed the diversion of road traffic to the new street to free up the work front on a section of approximately 200 meters from Clăbucet.

Works on the tram line on Exhibition Boulevard. PHOTO: The truth

The objective could be completed in April 2026

On Clăbucet Street, the old line was dismantled. Crews are now working to relocate and protect water, sewer and gas utility lines. After this stage, workers will execute the infrastructure and superstructure of the new line, along with the restoration of the carriageway and sidewalks.

At the same time, work began on the eight platforms related to the section. The public lighting system and the power supply network are already in advanced stages of execution.

The representatives of PORR Romania emphasize that this approach is outside their direct control. However, if the relocation of utilities goes according to plan, the company is confident that work on the tram line will be completed at the end of April 2026.

“Given that the relocation of the utility networks will go according to plan (we note that this is an approach over which PORR Romania does not exercise any control and whose progress cannot be influenced by the efforts of our team) we are confident that the end of April could bring us the completion of the works on lot 11 of the Bucharest tramway”, the builder's representatives sent to “Adevărul”.

Modernization carried out “on the notebook”

The works on lot 11 of the tram line modernization program started last spring, based on an agreement concluded by Nicușor Dan and the representatives of PORR Romania. Although the municipality did not have the funds at that time to give the green light to the start of the works in the field, the builder assumed the financing of the works until the European funds available through the Regional Operational Program are unlocked. The value of the contract is 63.9 million lei, excluding VAT.

“Because the budget of the City Hall of the Capital was drastically reduced by the Government and because we cannot afford to postpone essential infrastructure works for the development of the city, we found, together with the PORR representatives, an alternative solution: they agreed to finance the works they will carry out in 2025, until the moment we obtain the European funds dedicated to mobility”wrote Nicușor Dan, on Facebook, in March 2025.

Last year, the same builder also started work on the largest lot within the program of the Capital City Hall. With a length of 18 km, it includes the routes along the boulevards Theodor Pallady, 1 Decembrie 1918, Bessarabia and Calea Călărașilor, as well as the Corneliu Coposu section, including the Titan complex loop. Also, 64 platforms will be built, the overhead line network and direct current cables will be replaced, and five power stations will be upgraded to provide power to the tram network. The value of this contract is 715 million lei, excluding VAT, and the completion period is 2 years.