Large progress on one of the most spectacular mountain roads of Romania, on a strategic route
The county road 174 Panaci-Babor is considered to be one of the most difficult road infrastructure projects in Suceava.
Panaci County Road – Bilbor Photo: Facebook/Gheorghe Holdan
One of the most difficult road infrastructure projects in Suceava, the modernization of the 174C County Road, Panaci – Bilbor, which shortens the road connection between Vatra Dornei and Toplița by almost 100 kilometers.
Last days, the first asphalt layer was poured, on the first kilometer of the 3.66 km, and four of the six snakes of this spectacular road are already completed.
During this period, the start of the works at the last two streamers follows.
“Following the discussion with the builder, a few months ago, I told him that the project must be completed by the end of 2026 and that it is necessary to accelerate the pace of the works started three years ago, in order to recover the delays accumulated all these years.
I understand the realities on the ground. We are talking about a new road, which is built on a forested slope from the northern extremity of the Bistrita Mountains, with access only from one direction, without the possibility of working on several fronts.
In that mountain area you cannot work from November to April or even more, due to adverse weather conditions.
The project has so far recorded three suspensions of execution, totaling 472 days:
• 28.11.2022 – 08.05.2023
• 27.11.2023 – 10.04.2024
• 13.11.2024 – 12.05.2025
But in the rest of the year, in the few months in which you can work, there is no excuse for lack of mobilization. The graph of works, assumed by contract by the builder, must be respected”, Said Gheorghe Soldan, president of Suceava County Council, in a Facebook post.
Panaci County Road – Bilbor Photo: Facebook/Gheorghe Holdan
The road is financed through the National Program for Local Development (PNDL II), the value of the investment being about 41 million lei, of which almost 6.5 million lei represent the contribution of the Suceava County Council.
At the end of the works, DJ 174C will make the direct connection between Vatra Dornei and Toplița, through Bilbor Pass, reducing the current route with 92 kilometers, through Bistrița (route with a length of 154 km).
Panaci – Bilbor is a strategic route between Suceava and Harghita counties, with a major impact in the tourist and economic development of both the region.
