TransAlpina Road opens today

The National Company for the Administration of Road Infrastructure (CNAIR) announces that TransAlpina opens on Friday morning – June 16, 2023 – at 08:00. Following the approval of the special review commission, the road can be opened under good conditions between Rânca and Obârșia Lotrului, provided that three very important traffic conditions are met: the period of circulation, the speed of travel, and the type of vehicle.

However, it is essential for drivers to respect three important conditions:

Circulation is allowed between 08:00 and 18:00;
The maximum speed of travel is 30 km/h;
Traffic is permitted only for cars with a technically permissible maximum total weight of 3.5 tons.

Renowned as the highest paved road in Romania, the TransAlpina reaches an impressive altitude of 2,145 meters above sea level at Urdele Pass. However, it’s important to note that the road is not accessible throughout the year. Depending on weather conditions, the highway is typically closed in November or December due to heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions that may arise. The road is open for travel from mid-May to mid-October (subject to weather conditions) and strictly during daytime hours from 08:00 to 20:00. When embarking on your journey, it’s advisable to carry a light jacket, as weather conditions at an altitude of 2,000 meters can be unpredictable, and even in the midst of summer, the wind can bring a chilly breeze.

About TransAlpina

TransAlpina, probably the oldest road crossing the Carpathian Mountains, was constructed in the early 2nd Century AD by the Roman legions during their military campaign to conquer Sarmizegetusa, the capital of Dacia (present-day Romania). Following the conquest of Dacia, the Romans utilized TransAlpina to transport the gold extracted from the central region of Romania, known as Transylvania, to Rome. Throughout the early second millennium, TransAlpina became a vital route for transhumance over the Carpathian Mountains, a role it continues to serve to this day. The road’s paving commenced in 1930, and eight years later, King Carol II inaugurated the new TransAlpina, which was also referred to as “the King’s Road” during the monarchy period. Later on, in 2007 it started the works to transform this spectacular road into a modern highway (148 km), allowing a rapid transit between Oltenia and Transylvania. In 2009 it was completely paved and was totally opened to traffic in 2012.

This fully paved road stretches for 148 km, running in a south-to-north direction from Novaci, a town in Gorj County, within Oltenia, to Sebeş, a city located in Alba County. Along its course, the road provides awe-inspiring views combined with a thrilling driving experience. However, it should be noted that this asphalted route is not for the faint-hearted, as it encompasses numerous sharp turns and twists that require skillful navigation.

The average duration of a drive along the TransAlpina road

It is recommended to allocate approximately 3 hours for a non-stop drive along the TransAlpina road. This renowned and highly frequented route attracts thousands of visitors annually, thanks to the remarkable experience it offers: a scenic drive through a mountainous region, surrounded by nature on all sides. The landscapes you are bound to witness during your journey are beyond imagination. Along the road, you will come across several viewpoints, as well as hotels, cozy chalets, and restaurants, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking surroundings and enjoy the amenities available.