The Pro Infrastructure Association has revealed insights on the much-anticipated completion of 27 kilometers of the Autostrada Transilvania, near Cluj. If certain conditions are met, they estimate these sections could be opened by the end of 2025, providing much-needed connectivity.
This news is particularly relevant as the construction sector continues to grapple with delays and bureaucratic challenges. The association noted the urgency of this developmental milestone, which hinges on UMB, the company responsible for construction, adequately mobilizing workers and resources. "If UMB allocates sufficient forces and authorities resolve bureaucracy at the Poarta Sălajului node near Românași and at the A3-DN1F connection south of Topa Mică, then we could realistically see the opening of approximately 27 kilometers of A3 highway toward the end of 2025," stated the Pro Infrastructure Association.
Initially, the project was set to allow the public to traverse the highway as early as 2023, but these hopes have been dashed amid construction delays. "From promising sections with construction starting rapidly back in 2021 when we dreamt of running on them by 2023, we have reached the point where we are praying for partial completion by 2025. The remaining parts may come as late as 2026, perhaps. Contracts were signed back in July and December 2020," the association lamented, reflecting on the setbacks faced.
A recent drone video captured on March 14, 2025, showcased the current status of the construction efforts. Footage revealed scant activity south of Topa Mică, where UMB's presence is described as almost non-existent. "On this sector, as seen, the UMB personnel are currently nearly absent, but if they want, they can bring their workers to finish by 2025," the association noted.
Nonetheless, resolution of bureaucratic hurdles remains a significant obstacle. Officials from CNAIR, the National Company for the Administration of Road Infrastructure, are urged to press forward with necessary paperwork, particularly concerning establishing a temporary connection between the A3 highway and DN1F near the Ozaltin viaduct, which is also situated south of Topa Mică. Pro Infrastructure stressed the importance of these bureaucratic moves: "CNAIR must request this and take bureaucratic steps for the temporary connection to materialize," to facilitate effective traffic flow.
On the Zimbor-Poarta Sălajului section, the contractor UMB is reported to be significantly more mobilized and appears eager to open up 12.24 kilometers of highway by the end of 2025. The association shared optimism here, saying, "They just need to maintain their current pace and swiftly resolve project designs to issue the construction permit at the Românași node as soon as possible.”
While the goals are set, the Pro Infrastructure Association remains cautiously optimistic. "It remains to be seen whether both UMB and CNAIR will mobilize sufficiently, both on the ground and bureaucratically, to inaugurate either 12 or 27 kilometers of the Transylvania highway by late this year. Or, worst case, nothing at all," they emphasized, painting the contrasting outlooks.
The resolution of such infrastructure projects is not merely about connecting roads; it also involves significant economic benefits and improved access to services and goods for those living and working near Cluj. The successful completion of the 27 kilometers would symbolize progress, investment, and perhaps newfound momentum for the infrastructure initiatives of Romania.
Despite the hurdles, the Pro Infrastructure Association's commitment to carefully monitoring and reporting on these projects ensures transparency and accountability. They remain vigilant and ready to advocate for expedient completions and bureaucracy resolutions wherever needed. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges often faced by large infrastructure projects, but also of the potential rewards for the communities they serve.
