Part of the comprehensive Trans-European Transport Network, the new 121 km Craiova-Pitești express road will improve connections between south-western Romania and the Nădlac-Sibiu-Pitești-Constanța motorway – a component of the Rhine-Danube transport corridor, the main east-west link across continental Europe.
- 19 April 2021
Part of the comprehensive Trans-European Transport Network, the new 121 km Craiova-Pitești express road will improve connections between south-western Romania and the Nădlac-Sibiu-Pitești-Constanța motorway – a component of the Rhine-Danube transport corridor, the main east-west link across continental Europe.
The road will have two lanes running in each direction, 10 interchanges, 75 bridges or passages, 26 split-level junctions, four service areas, four short-stay parking areas, three maintenance centres and snow-removal facilities.
Insufficient capacity
National road DN65 is the principal existing link between Craiova and Pitești. Passing through Dolj, Olt and Argeș counties, it is a single carriageway with two lanes (one in each direction) for most of its length, except for very short sections where it has been widened to three lanes.
The DN65 is unable to handle current traffic volumes safely and comfortably. Average speeds on the road are below 60 km/h and numbers of fatalities are 5.8 % above the average for Romania’s national roads. Any accidents or maintenance work lead to significant delays, further lengthening already long journey times.
Other routes between Craiova and Pitești run along the secondary national roads DN67B and DN65C through Drăgășani, and the DN65A and DN6 via Roșiori de Vede and Caracal. These two alternative routes and the DN65 go through numerous built-up areas, causing air and noise pollution and safety risks.
Additional capacity is thus needed to accommodate present and future transport demand while increasing travelling speeds.
Greater accessibility
The main aim of the project is to provide a high-quality road link between Craiova and Pitești, which will also connect the two parts of the Rhine-Danube corridor in Romania. This will enhance regional, national and international accessibility for the south-west of the country.
The new road will ensure safer passenger and freight transport and reduce accidents. Shorter journey times between the two cities will cut transport costs and boost the economic efficiency of Romania’s road network. Taking long-distance traffic away from built-up areas will alleviate congestion and pollution, reduce accidents and improve quality of life for residents.
As well as creating temporary jobs, the project should boost trade in the area, thereby generating economic development and widening access to employment.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Construction of express road Craiova-Pitești” is EUR 1 012 689 698, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 726 117 647 through the “Large Infrastructure” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Improving mobility through development of the TEN-T and metro networks”.