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Basarab Overpass, Bucharest: the cable-stayed giant over Gara de Nord

Basarab Overpass (Pasajul Basarab) is a 1.9 km road and tram flyover in Bucharest, linking Nicolae Titulescu Boulevard with Grozăvești Road across the railway near Gara de Nord. Designed by engineer Javier Manterola, it carries a cable-stayed section on two 84 m pylons and is worth a detour for anyone curious about modern engineering in Romania’s capital.

Planned at 60 million euros, the Basarab Overpass in Bucharest ended up costing about 255 million, and some experts blame its record-wide deck for over 100 million of the rise.

WhereBucharest, Romania, between Nicolae Titulescu Boulevard and Grozăvești Road, near Gara de Nord

TypeCable-stayed road and tram overpass, opened in 2011

Best forModern engineering, views of the Bucharest skyline and a ride on tram line 1

Getting thereOn the inner ring road of Bucharest, close to Basarab railway station; tram line 1 crosses it

The history of the Basarab Overpass

The idea of an overpass that would straighten out traffic in central Bucharest is more than eighty years old. It became a real project in 2000, when the city’s mayor of the time obtained financing from the European Investment Bank. The plan rested on a study by Japanese specialists from the same year, which listed an elevated crossing at Basarab among the priorities for the city’s development. The aim was also to turn the Gara de Nord area into a genuine interchange where the railway, surface public transport and the underground meet.

The contract was signed in 2006, and the overpass was built by the Spanish company FCC Construction together with the Italian company Astaldi, to a design by the engineer Javier Manterola. From 2008 the project passed to a new mayor. In May 2009 the works were reported to be about a third complete. Early in 2011 the opening was expected in March, but then a devastating earthquake struck Japan, and the standards for large structures were re-examined. The builder asked for time to lay the tram tracks, test the bridge with trams and install seismic warning sensors, so the completion date was postponed.

The overpass was officially inaugurated in June 2011 and opened to cars and trams. The project was finished in August 2011, when ramps and lifts for the tram stations were installed, and the tram station with a connection to the metro opened on 23 April 2012. The costs rose steadily: first estimated at 60 million euros, they climbed to 210 million and finally reached 255 million euros in 2011.

The main feature is the cable-stayed bridge by the Basarab railway station. It passes over Calea Griviței, the railway lines and the junction of Dinicu Golescu Boulevard and Orhideelor Road. Two pylons about 84 metres high hold 60 stay cables, which support a deck some 44 metres wide, a record in Europe. According to some experts, this technical solution added more than 100 million euros to the total cost. Today the overpass has two traffic lanes in each direction and two tram tracks, and the number 1 tram line, the only circular line in Bucharest, follows the inner ring across it.

Curiosities about the Basarab Overpass

With a deck up to 44.5 m wide over the railway, it is described as the widest cable-stayed bridge in Europe; elsewhere the average width is almost 25 m.
The two pylons are about 84 m high and hold 60 stay cables, made up of some 3,000 individual cables according to the Romanian Wikipedia.
The budget grew from an initial 60 million euros to 210 million and finally to almost 255 million euros.
The opening was delayed in 2011 after the earthquake in Japan led to a review of building standards for large structures. Seismic warning sensors were added before completion.
Tram line 1 is the only circular tram line in Bucharest and follows the inner traffic circle of the city, crossing the overpass.
Almost 50,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day.

Tours near Basarab Overpass

Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:

Bulgaria Day Trip: Basarabovo Monastery, Tsarevets & Arbanasi

★ 5 (3 reviews) · 10 h

See details ›

Private Day Trip from Bucharest: Dracula’s Castle, Peles & Brasov

★ 5 (68 reviews) · 10 h

See details ›

Private Walking Tour: Essential Bucharest + Hidden Gems

★ 5 (53 reviews) · 2 h

See details ›

Contrasts of Communism - Small Group Walking Tour in Bucharest

★ 5 (48 reviews) · 3 h

See details ›

Seeing the Basarab Overpass: what to know

The cable-stayed section by the Basarab railway station, with its two tall pylons and the fan of stay cables, is the part that stands out in the Bucharest skyline.
The overpass is a working road and tram route, so the simplest way to experience it is on tram line 1 or by looking at it from the streets and stations around it.
The tram station with a connection to the metro, opened in 2012, and the ramps and lifts added in 2011 are part of the structure.
Gara de Nord lies right beside it. Other places on this site are the Cantacuzino Palace (about 2 km), Antim Monastery, Kretzulescu Church and Stavropoleos Monastery (each about 3 km).
The sources do not describe a dedicated viewing platform, so check the current situation on site.

Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.

Map: where Basarab Overpass is

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors

Photos of Basarab Overpass

Questions

What is the Basarab Overpass?

It is a 1.9 km road and tram overpass in Bucharest that connects Nicolae Titulescu Boulevard with Grozăvești Road. It forms part of the city’s inner ring and has a cable-stayed section over the railway.

How wide is the Basarab Overpass?

Over the railway near Gara de Nord it measures 44.5 metres, which makes it the widest cable-stayed bridge in Europe. The average width is almost 25 metres.

When did the Basarab Overpass open?

It was inaugurated in June 2011 and opened to traffic that month. The tram station with a metro connection followed on 23 April 2012.

How much did the Basarab Overpass cost?

The initial estimate was 60 million euros, but the final cost in 2011 was almost 255 million euros.

Who designed and built the Basarab Overpass?

The design is by the engineer Javier Manterola. It was built by the Spanish company FCC Construction together with the Italian company Astaldi.

Which tram line crosses the Basarab Overpass?

Tram line 1 crosses it. It is the only circular tram line in Bucharest, following the inner traffic circle of the city.