Road Modernized with European Funds in the Apuseni Mountains to Boost Regional Tourism

The Padiș - Ic Ponor road, located in Romania's Bihor county and one of the most important routes in the Apuseni Mountains, is undergoing a comprehensive modernization project supported by European Union funds. The works, which began in May 2026, aim to renovate a total 9,75-kilometer section. Bihor County Council President Mircea Mălan and project officials held a press conference at the construction site on 6 July 2026, sharing the current status of the investment with the public. Project managers from the Cluj-Napoca-based contracting firm and local council members also attended the meeting. Officials emphasized that the project is not merely a road construction, but a strategic step for regional development.

This critical section of the DJ 763 road, which will connect the Bihor, Cluj, and Alba counties, holds significant tourism potential. The road, which will facilitate access to historical and natural attractions frequently visited by tourists coming to the Apuseni Mountains, is expected to significantly reduce travel times in the region. Mălan noted that during his journey to the site, he observed numerous tourists heading towards mountain hiking trails and parked cars. Furthermore, according to information shared by a local guesthouse owner, tourists staying at the fully booked facility prefer to spend their days exploring the surrounding caves and nature trails. This situation clearly demonstrates that the region's infrastructure needs to keep pace with the growing tourism demand.

As part of the modernization works, complex procedures will be carried out, including slope reinforcement, widening of the existing road platform, and the installation of 40 new metal bridge structures to channel rainwater. It is reported that the project is highly challenging due to the rugged terrain, and special equipment and machinery are being used, particularly in areas with limestone rocks. Officials stated that no explosives are being used to avoid environmental damage and ensure safety, preferring only hydraulic breaking methods. Project manager Andrei Enache stated that road construction in mountainous terrain requires special measures and that their company aims to complete the work ahead of schedule without compromising on quality. Despite all these technical difficulties, maintaining top-level safety standards remains the fundamental priority of the project.

As part of the next phase of the construction process, the entire road will be closed to traffic starting from Friday, 10 July 2026, for safety reasons. The contracting firm requested that the road remain closed until 1 December 2026 to complete rock breaking and stabilization operations. However, the Bihor County Council stated that if conditions permit, traffic could be reopened earlier, demonstrating a flexible approach. The easy cracking of limestone rocks and the risk of rockfalls are among the biggest factors concerning officials. For this reason, the public has been assured that no risks will be taken during the works, and the road will not be opened until the slopes are fully secured.

The financing of this massive project, with a total value reaching 81,6 million Romanian Lei including VAT, is provided by European funds under the 2021-2027 North-West Regional Program and the Bihor County Council's own budget. To prevent funding cuts and a slowdown in construction, an additional 38 million Euro loan was secured from the European Investment Bank. Once completed, access to world-renowned natural routes such as Cheile Galbenei, Valea Boga, and Cetatea Rădesei will become significantly easier. Moreover, this roadwork is part of a much broader transportation network that includes the renovation of side roads and the construction of new junctions in Bihor county. This comprehensive infrastructure investment is considered a milestone in preparing the region's economic and touristic future.