BergerWorld: 2nd Quarter 2008

Located between the lower Danube River and the Black Sea, is a region shared by Bulgaria and Romania. Romanian Dobrogea has an area of 15,500 square kilometers with a population of approximately one million, while the 7,565-square-kilometer Bulgarian Dobrogea has a population of 350,000.

The Berger Group was commissioned by the Romanian National Company of Motorways and National Roads (RNCMNR) to provide designs and supervision for the rehabilitation of 10 bridges in Romanian Dobrogea. The rehabilitated structures will provide improved access to the Port of Constanta, Romania's largest port, and a number of seaside resorts. Berger's duties include feasibility and environmental studies; traffic, geotechnical and topographical surveys; the evaluation of alternate improvements; the identification of right-of-way needs; and the relocation (where necessary) of existing and planned utilities. The Team will also prepare final designs, cost estimates and bid documents and provide assistance during contractor selection and construction supervision. During construction, Berger will pay particular attention to a number of concerns, including waterproofing failures in approach carriageways, bridge bearing failures, expansion joints and joint covers failures, fittings securing cantilevered footways to structures, cable anchors and the ability of structural concrete to withstand moisture permeability. Berger will also assist RNCMNR in training staff, enhancing highway safety, and improving inspection and maintenance practices.