Historic step for the infrastructure in Transylvania. Today the Zimbor – Românași section of the Transylvania Highway opens to traffic
The road infrastructure in the northwest of the country is reaching a fundamental milestone. Today, August 11, 2026, the first section inaugurated this year on the Transylvania Motorway (A3) officially opens to traffic. This is the 12.24-kilometer section between the Zimbor and Românași road junctions, a strategic investment made with European funds and the national budget, aimed at radically transforming regional connectivity.
Drivers' access to the new motorway segment is through the Zimbor and Românași interchanges. Although the Românași interchange is currently at a physical execution stage of 90%, it will be fully completed this month, allowing for the unloading and taking over of traffic in maximum safety conditions.
A fast connection between Cluj-Napoca and Zalău
The inauguration of this segment represents only the first stage of a larger plan aimed at directly connecting Cluj and Sălaj counties. Following a recent visit to the Transylvania Highway construction site, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan confirmed the sustained pace of the works, providing a clear horizon for the completion of the entire sector:
"From December 1st, there should be unrestricted traffic on the over 40 kilometers of new highway between Cluj and Zalău." — Ilie Bolojan, Prime Minister of Romania
The complete section between Nădășelu and Poarta Sălajului has a total length of 42.78 kilometers and represents a complex engineering work, including:
- 2 major road junctions;
- 14 bridges and passages;
- 18 impressive viaducts.
Regarding the Nădășelu – Mihăiești and Mihăiești – Zimbor subsections (with a cumulative length of 24.59 kilometers), the physical stage of the works has reached 97%. The deadline assumed by the constructor for their complete completion is October 2026, preparing the ground for the full opening announced for December.
Economic and logistical boost for cities in the region
The gradual completion of the Transylvania Highway goes beyond the scope of a simple rural project, being a true engine of socio-economic development for the entire northwest of the country. The fast and safe connection of the major urban centers — Cluj-Napoca, Zalău, Satu Mare, Baia Mare and Oradea — brings direct benefits to communities and the business environment:
- Decongestion of national arteries: Taking heavy and transit traffic off congested national roads (such as DN1F) reduces travel times and increases road safety.
- Increased attractiveness for investments: The easy connection between Cluj-Napoca, the economic hub of the region, and the western border (via Oradea/Borș) increases the area's attractiveness for logistics and industrial parks.
- Increased mobility: Travel time between the municipalities of Zalău, Satu Mare, Baia Mare and Cluj-Napoca decreases considerably, facilitating commuting, trade and regional tourism.
The opening of the Zimbor - Românași section reconfirms the status of the Transylvania Highway as a priority infrastructure axis, bringing the region ever closer to a modern road network, at European standards.