Unirii intersection in Bucharest to be blocked for up to two years, mayor says

The entire Unirii Square in downtown Bucharest will be excavated to rebuild the concrete floor over the Dâmbovița River. The works are expected to last for a year and a half or two, but are essential in preventing a collapse, according to mayor Nicușor Dan.

Part of the fountains in Unirii Square will also be dug up as part of the works, the mayor told Digi24.

Dan admitted that the consolidation and construction works will make traffic more congested, but maintained that the project needs to be carried out because of the risk of the floor collapsing.

"The Unirii area will be excavated. Currently, the problem we have there is with the concrete floor, which is severely deteriorated," the mayor said.

He mentioned that there are three phases of the project, namely a preliminary study that has been completed, followed by an ongoing analysis that will determine the optimal solution, and then the commencement of the construction works.

"We have two options - to excavate everything and install a new floor. The subway passes by, but it won't be affected. It is the responsibility of District 4. So, the first option is to dig up everything, and the second option is to perform maintenance work. From what I understand, it is preferable to excavate everything and install a new floor," the mayor explained.

"The works will last for a year and a half to two years. The intersection at Unirii will be blocked. We will have to find alternative routes. Once we have the study, we will evaluate the traffic and devise methods to divert it. It will be a major traffic problem, but it is inevitable. We cannot wait until the floor collapses," he further emphasized.

According to the mayor, even a part of the recently renovated fountains in Unirii Square will be excavated.

(Photo source: Radub85 | Dreamstime.com)