First Chinese-built road in Transylvania opens in December 2025 after significant delays

The first road built by Chinese companies in Romania, the Zalău bypass, will open in December 2025, significantly delayed and incurring penalties. The 5.5-kilometer road, with one lane per direction, was initially due in March 2023. Construction began in September 2020, with a two-and-a-half-year completion deadline. The project faced delays due to poor contractor mobilization and disputes with the National Road Infrastructure Company. Penalties of approximately 1.8 million euros have been applied so far.