By: ViaCon Romania
Project Summary
The Balan Bridge project in Romania utilized a custom steel buried bridge system to overcome challenging hydraulic conditions while improving long-term transportation infrastructure. The multiplate structure provides durability, sustainability, and efficient water conveyance for the region.
Creating a Long-Term Crossing Solution
Located in Romania’s Salaj region, the Balan Bridge project was developed to provide a reliable transportation connection across the Almasului Valley. Project leaders sought a structure capable of serving local communities for decades while supporting regional economic growth.
From the outset, durability, efficiency, and sustainability guided the design process. The completed crossing was intended not only to improve mobility but also to provide long-term value for future generations.
Submitted by ViaCon Romania, the project demonstrates how modern steel buried bridge technology can address complex site conditions while supporting critical transportation infrastructure.
Challenging Hydraulic Conditions Required a Custom Design
The Almasului Valley presented unique hydraulic challenges.
Engineers needed a structure capable of accommodating significant water flows while maintaining structural integrity under varying environmental conditions. Traditional bridge solutions would have required additional complexity to address the site’s hydraulic demands.
As a result, the project team focused on developing a solution that balanced water conveyance requirements, durability, and long-term performance.
Projects involving complex hydraulic conditions continue to benefit from buried bridge technology. Similar approaches have been used on the Bridge Over the Chudowski Stream and the NM DOT I-25 Wildlife Crossing Project, where structural plate systems addressed both environmental and infrastructure objectives.
Multiplate Steel Buried Bridge Solution
To address the project’s requirements, ViaCon partnered with ViaCon Turkey to develop a custom-shaped multiplate structure utilizing VN33 Supercor corrugation.
The completed crossing consists of four individual steel buried bridge structures designed to accommodate required flow capacities while maintaining roadway performance above. Each structure features a bottom length of approximately 56.5 feet and utilizes steel plate components designed for long-term structural performance.
The multiplate configuration allowed engineers to customize the crossing to site-specific hydraulic conditions while maintaining construction efficiency and durability.
Engineers evaluating similar applications can review NCSPA’s Design Data Sheets and Technical Resources for additional design guidance.
Durability, Sustainability, and Performance
Steel buried bridge systems continue to gain popularity because they combine structural performance with long service life.
The Balan Bridge project demonstrates how buried bridge technology can provide an efficient solution for transportation infrastructure while minimizing future maintenance demands. The use of steel also supports sustainability goals through material efficiency and long-term durability.
Agencies evaluating long-term performance can explore NCSPA’s Service Life Calculator and additional research available through NCSPA’s Studies & Reports.
Supporting Regional Transportation for Decades
The completed Balan Bridge provides a durable transportation link designed to serve the region well into the future.
By combining hydraulic performance, structural strength, and sustainability, the project demonstrates how steel buried bridge systems can help communities address challenging site conditions while delivering reliable infrastructure investments.