Snow covers Transfăgărășan as crews clear DN 7C above 1,600 metres
Snow that began falling on Thursday evening, 15 October, has covered the high-altitude section of DN 7C, and road crews started clearing it on the morning of 16 October. Authorities advise drivers without winter-equipped cars to stay off the stretch while the weather stays cold.
Snowfall above 1,600 metres
Snow began falling on Thursday evening, 15 October, in the high zone of Argeș County, including the Transfăgărășan (DN 7C), Salvamont Argeș reported on Facebook that evening. Visibility is reduced at altitudes above 1,600 metres and temperatures have fallen considerably, the mountain rescue service said. Mediafax also reported a layer of several centimetres of snow in Poiana Brașov. Reports published on the morning of 16 October say the snow kept building overnight, and road authorities expect wintry weather to persist in the coming days.
- Salvamont Argeș warns of snow above 1,600 metres on the Transfăgărășan
- Road crews start snow clearing on the alpine stretch of DN 7C
Crews clear the alpine stretch
Road crews began clearing the alpine section of DN 7C on the morning of 16 October, using blade trucks and anti-skid material. The regional road directorate in Brașov described the snow accumulations as significant and said the crews were working on the stretch continuously. Libertatea described the stretch as difficult to drive without winter equipment once the snow had settled. Other outlets attribute the operation to the Pitești section of the National Roads directorate and to the Bucharest regional directorate (DRDP București), which posted about the blade trucks on Facebook. The Brașov directorate framed its message as a warning to drivers.
We are deploying snow-clearing machinery and anti-skid materials in the alpine area of the Transfăgărășan to clear the roadway of the significant snow accumulations.
Warnings for drivers and hikers
Authorities advised drivers not to use the stretch unless their vehicles were prepared for winter conditions. Drivers were also told to reduce speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Salvamont Argeș told hikers to check the forecast before leaving, to carry clothing suited to low temperatures and precipitation, and to avoid exposed routes. Salvamont also warned against ridge paths and exposed routes, where navigation becomes difficult. In an emergency, people can call 112 or the Salvamont national dispatch at 0725 826 668.
Do not rely only on the weather conditions at departure. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly, and safety must be the priority.
Road status and seasonal closure
G4Media reported that the road has not been closed, although drivers were advised to equip their cars for winter. The Transfăgărășan is closed every cold season between Piscu Negru in Argeș and Bâlea Cascadă in Sibiu because of snow, avalanches and extreme conditions in the Făgăraș Mountains. This year the road reopened to traffic from 12 June. The articles do not mention a new closure decision at the time of publication.
