The last two sections have been finalized, so all four lanes are now open for traffic, after months in which drivers could only use two lanes to go from Cernavoda to Constanta. The first section, connecting two working-class towns, Fetesti and Cernavoda, is about 18 km long and includes a complex system of bridges and overpasses. It was opened for traffic in 1987 by the communist authorities. After the 1989 anti-communist Revolution, construction works on the motorway continued for a brief period, only to be abandoned for lack of funding. More sections were completed in 2004, 2007 and 2011.

This year has also seen the opening of the Bucharest – Ploiesti motorway and of a first segment of the Timisoara – Lugoj motorway in western Romania. The Transport and Infrastructure Minister Ovidiu Silaghi blames the condition of Romania’s roads and the lack of motorways on the entire political class of the past 23 years. He said that, after motorways became a priority for Romania, highway construction works were contracted out based on political criteria, and prices were a lot higher than they should have been. Still, Ovidiu Silaghi remains optimistic, and says that in the next 5 to 7 years Romania will have a network of motorways in line with EU standards.

A better infrastructure would enable the country to develop both its tourism and its economy, while also encouraging foreign investors to launch operations in Romania.