Romania is trying to find solutions to keep the famous high-altitude road Transfagarasan open all year round. At present, the mountain road stays closed between November 1 and June 1.

The National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) launched at the end of April a tender for the feasibility study and technical project for the road’s upgrading, local Economica.net reported. The contract has an estimated value of RON 4.89 million (some EUR 1 million), without VAT, and the financing should be covered with EU funds.

The project targets the “rehabilitation and/or upgrading of the existing road for the traffic to be open all year round if possible, or for a period as long as possible on the road section between km 104 + 000 (Piscul Negru) and km 130+800 (Cabana Balea Cascadă).” The bids can be submitted until July 2.

The Transfagarasan road, which offers amazing views, was built on the orders of late Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu between 1970 and 1974 to ensure a military strategic route through the mountains. It has a length of 90 km and reaches an altitude of 2,040 m.  It includes Romania’s longest road tunnel (887 meters).

The road became famous worldwide after the famous British auto show Top Gear filmed an episode on it in 2009. Since then, the road has been used as a setup for international TV shows and TV commercials.

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Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com