Oradea's Traffic Light Woes Amid Modernization Efforts

Drivers in Oradea have voiced concerns over malfunctioning traffic lights at key intersections, including Ștefan cel Mare Blvd. and Transilvaniei St., where green lights have failed. An Oradea resident described the issues as involving 'burned LEDs, missing timers.' Similar problems have been noted at Calea Clujului and Seleușului St., and unsynchronized lights have caused frustration on major roads.

Sebastian Marchiș, the Technical Director at Oradea City Hall, confirmed receiving numerous complaints but assured that these issues are isolated and do not affect the entire system. The modernization of the traffic light system, which began in 2025, is funded by PNRR and involves two major projects. Despite replacing 60 traffic light lenses last year, some defects persist due to older components like burned lenses.

The unsynchronization is attributed to the ongoing adjustment of a new traffic management system. This system is designed to implement a 'green wave,' allowing for a continuous flow of traffic at certain speeds. Marchiș estimates that this feature will be fully operational within three months.

The modernization investments, valued at a total of 9.67 million lei, have yet to be officially accepted, with acceptance expected next week. The system, which connects 35 intersections and pedestrian crossings, uses video and radar to collect traffic data and will be gradually adjusted based on this information. Though works were finalized on Thursday, final connections are still being made at the control center.

The first phase of the project, covering 12 intersections, cost 4.57 million lei, while the second phase, involving 23 locations, was priced at 5.1 million lei. Once fully operational, the system will calculate optimal routes and display estimated travel times and recommended paths on three electronic panels. However, August's reduced traffic volume means that data collection from September will be important for accurate adjustments.