DN 66A, the national road lost in the mountains: fate of the spectacular highway planned through the ancient forests of the Cerna Valley

The DN 66A national road, a project envisioned to traverse the Cerna Valley's ancient forests, has been stalled for two decades, leaving a spectacular route lost in the mountains. Construction began 20 years ago with the promise of connecting the isolated towns of the Jiu Valley to Băile Herculane.

However, the road remains blocked in the wild terrain near the Cerna springs. Authorities had promoted the new road as a vital link for the communities in the Jiu Valley, offering them better access and connectivity. The project's ambitious scope included carving a path through ecologically sensitive areas, raising environmental concerns from its inception.

The prolonged delay and incomplete status of DN 66A highlight the challenges faced in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those in remote or environmentally protected regions. The dream of a scenic and accessible route through the mountains remains unfulfilled, leaving the promised benefits for the Jiu Valley towns unrealized.