Chisinau launches emergency road repairs following severe winter damage
Chisinau municipal authorities have initiated a large-scale emergency repair campaign this week to address severe road degradation across the capital. The "massive intervention" targets major thoroughfares where winter freeze-thaw cycles have exposed systemic construction flaws.
City Hall officials identified Muncești Thoroughfare, Gheorghe Asachi Street, Hâncești Highway, and Dacia Boulevard as priority zones. Experts noted that these sections suffered most due to substandard foundations, where asphalt was previously applied directly onto soil or debris.
Operational transparency and traffic impact
To mitigate transit delays, the municipality committed to publishing a daily schedule of works. Mayor Ion Ceban urged residents to exercise patience, stating that specialized teams established concrete intervention plans following consultations with civil engineers.
"Municipal services are beginning a widespread effort to stabilize damaged roads," Ceban announced during the February 23 operational meeting. He noted that similar degradation is currently affecting regional infrastructure across Moldova and neighboring Romania and Bulgaria.
Temporary solutions for a structural crisis
The current strategy involves 15 specialized teams using cold-mix asphalt to plug hazardous potholes. Officials clarified this is a provisional measure until stabilizing weather conditions allow for permanent high-temperature asphalt surfacing.
Public frustration has mounted as the February 2026 freeze-thaw cycles turned several recently renovated streets into hazardous routes. Despite widespread reports of vehicle damage, municipal authorities stated they have not yet received formal claims for compensation from affected motorists.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
