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Romania-Moldova Ungheni bridge construction begins

Today, April 26, the foundation stone for the new Ungheni bridge is being laid.

It could be ready by autumn next year, stated Irinel Scrioșteanu, State Secretary at the Romanian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The Romanian official also added that negotiations for the start of construction of the common customs point are currently underway.

"The bridge will be usable from the start because we are also building connection roads, even if the Union Highway is not ready at the same time as the bridge. Yesterday, I gave Mr. Bolea and the Republic of Moldova some good news – we initiated the tender procedure for the last three sections from Ungheni, meaning the Union Highway will soon be under construction from Târgul Neamț to the Ungheni bridge, including the road junction connecting to the A7 Moldova Highway, which is already under construction," said Irinel Scrioșteanu.

The project is fully financed by funds from the Government of Romania and the European Union and represents one of the most important infrastructure investments in recent years, stated Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development. According to the official, the new Ungheni bridge is the first in a series of five similar projects planned over the Prut River, intended to facilitate the free movement of citizens and economic exchanges.

"These bridges will connect communities, allowing people to meet much more quickly, easily, and conveniently, forming a true bridge between the left bank and the right bank, built with respect for citizens. In this regard, I invite you on April 26, in Ungheni, at 13:00, to the ceremony marking the start of construction of the stone bridge. This represents the end of the A8 highway on the Romanian segment and the beginning of the highway on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. It is an extremely important four-lane bridge, built following the model of modern highways – the first bridge of such scale in the Republic of Moldova, both in terms of engineering design and financial investment," stated Vladimir Bolea.

The Ungheni bridge is part of the strategic A8 Union Highway project, connecting Târgu Mureș - Iași - Ungheni to the border with the Republic of Moldova. It will have a length of 261 meters, consisting of two parallel bridges, each with two lanes per direction and sidewalks. The project also includes a common border crossing point. Its value exceeds 30 million euros, using European Union funds.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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