Moldova road repairs: €92 million budget set as 250 bridges reach substandard levels
Chisinau faces a logistics challenge as authorities launch a nationwide road maintenance campaign following a severe freeze-thaw cycle.
The State Road Administration (ASD) is currently deploying emergency repair teams across 39 districts. Heavy damage is reported on the M1 (Chisinau–Leuseni) and M5 (Chisinau–Balti–Briceni) motorways, which serve as vital transit corridors for the country.
Critical bridge infrastructure
A recent technical audit of 840 bridges managed by the state reveals a precarious situation. While 106 structures remain in excellent condition, 250 are rated as "unsatisfactory," and two have reached a "critical" state.
Design and reconstruction procurement for these critical points is already underway. ASD Interim General Director, Stefan Popa, noted that while the 5,993 km network is aging, daily interventions are stabilizing the most affected segments.
The cost of underfunding
The 2026 Road Fund has allocated approximately €92 million (approx. 1.8 billion MDL) for maintenance and rehabilitation. This budget targets the upkeep of the national network and the capital repair of 210 kilometers of regional roads.
However, experts warn that these funds primarily address symptoms rather than the cause. Road safety expert Ilie Bricicaru argues that the lack of consistent preventive maintenance creates a long-term economic drain.
Economic ROI of infrastructure
"Failing to invest one leu today results in a four-leu loss over the next five years," Bricicaru stated. He emphasized that the current strategy focuses on "patching" rather than the comprehensive modernization required for sustainable growth.
The 2026 investment plan prioritizes technical urgency and regional needs. Funds are earmarked for road safety features, including sidewalks and protective barriers, alongside the completion of multi-year infrastructure projects.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
