Moldova launches construction of its first five kilometers of highway, with a joint customs crossing to Romania
A 5.1-kilometer section of highway will be constructed in the Republic of Moldova for the first time. This project is based on an agreement signed on July 2 in Bucharest between the governments of the Republic of Moldova and Romania.
The new agreement replaces the bilateral document signed in 2022 and enhances the road infrastructure construction project between the two countries. In addition to building the bridge over the Prut River, a 5.1-kilometer highway extension will be constructed, directly connecting to the A8 highway in Romania, commonly known as the Unirii Highway (Iași - Ungheni).
The estimated cost of these investments is 56 million euros, to be funded through the European SAFE instrument via a loan taken out by the Government of Romania. Meanwhile, the Government of the Republic of Moldova will finance the construction of a 500-meter highway section between the Prut bridge abutment and the R16 national road, with an estimated investment of five million euros.
“The highway is to be constructed so that we can connect with the Romanian infrastructure by the end of 2028,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, during the show “Bună dimineața” on Moldova 1.
Over the next two years, in addition to constructing the first kilometers of highway in the country's history, customs procedures will also be reorganized, establishing a single common crossing point between Ungheni in the Republic of Moldova and Ungheni in Romania.
“The agreement specifies the location of the customs and mentions that a single coordinated control will be created on the Romanian side. In the Republic of Moldova, customs will be eliminated, and all the necessary infrastructure will be developed on the right bank of the Prut”, explained Bolea.
The authorities in Chisinau plan to expand the highway toward Ungheni, Chisinau, and Odessa.
"The Government of the Republic of Moldova will begin discussions and negotiations with the European Union to explore potential grants for the construction of this section. The entire highway to Odessa is quite expensive, and the costs are very concerning. This type of highway requires a high level of precision in construction, and it is evident that one kilometer costs a significant amount," pointed out the deputy prime minister.
The authorities plan to build the highway in segments, starting with the completion of the initial 5.1 kilometers, which will then connect to the future strategic artery.
"We will evaluate the construction site, possibly extending toward Cricova or further around the city of Chisinau. The progression will depend on the financial resources available and the solutions provided by the designers," concluded Vladimir Bolea during an interview with a public television station.
Additionally, construction of the bridge over the Prut in Zagarancea, a village in the Ungheni district, began on April 26, 2025. This project, known as the "Flower Bridge" is historic, as it marks the first highway-level road bridge built over the Prut in more than 60 years.
The new bridge will connect the A8 Unirii Highway in Romania to the road infrastructure in the Republic of Moldova, ensuring direct access to the trans-European transport network.
