A8 projects, Ungheni bridge progress: connectivity with EU, common priority for Romania, Moldova

The projects of strategic interconnection between Romania and Moldova are advancing at an accelerated pace, confirming the common political will to transform the border into a bridge of connection, not a barrier. During an official visit to Chisinau, Romania's Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Toiu presented an overview of the cross-border transport infrastructure, stressing the importance of the A8 Motorway and the road bridge from Ungheni.

“We have more good news for the interconnection of the Republic of Moldova. Our joint projects are progressing very well. We launched the construction of the Ungheni Bridge in last April, which will be connected to the A8 Motorway, which stays a priority even on this period, when we are reevaluating budget allocations at home,” the minister stated.

According to the Romanian official, the A8 Motorway, which will cross Romania from east to west, will become a strategic artery for Moldova, providing a direct and fast connection to the European network of roads. At the same time, this corridor will play an essential role in the future efforts of Ukraine’s recovery, strengthening Moldova's position as a regional logistics hub.

The Ungheni Bridge, already under construction, is meant to become the connection point between the two countries' road infrastructures. It will facilitate not only the traffic of people and goods, but also the economic development of the border area. The investment is part of the joint efforts to modernize infrastructure and bring Moldova closer to European standards.

Toiu also announced another important news: the project for the rehabilitation and electrification of the Iasi–Ungheni railway connection has been approved for financing under the Connecting Europe Facility. This project will provide a modern and ecological alternative to road transport, enhancing commercial links and mobility between the two banks of the Prut.

The Romanian minister's statements come at a time when energy, road and railway interconnection is becoming a strategic priority not only for Bucharest and Chisinau, but also for the entire eastern EU region. By supporting these projects, Romania reaffirms its firm commitment to Moldova’s European integration the enhancement of regional security.

The A8 Motorway and cross-border connections are not just investments in infrastructure, but investments in the European future of Moldova. The A8 Motorway, also known as the Union Motorway, is a strategic project that will connect the east of Romania to the west of the country and Moldova through the Ungheni border point. The construction of the road bridge at Ungheni and the rehabilitation of the Iasi–Ungheni railway connection are essential steps for improving cross-border mobility, facilitating trade exchanges and integrating  Moldova into the European transport networks. These investments enhance regional connectivity and play an important role in the future effort of Ukraine’s recovery.

Presently, the works on the new bridge across the Prut from Ungheni, launched in April 2025, are advancing at an accelerated pace, as deforestation on the Romanian bank nears completion. The bridge, which will ensure the connection with the future A8 motorway (Targu Neamt – Letcani – Ungheni), has an implementation term of 18 months and a 10-year warranty provided by the builder.

“The works are progressing at a new pace on the Prut ensemble of bridges at Ungheni, as vegetation clearing is nearing completion on the Romanian bank,” according to the regional director general of DRDP Iasi, engineer Ovidiu Mugurel Laicu. The builder is mobilized on the site with excavators, graders, compactors, and dump trucks transporting materials, as well as drills and cranes for executing the following works: Romanian bank – pile concrete casting P1, – pile drilling P1; Moldovan bank - breaking the caps of drilled piles of abutment C2, testing piles by impedance and sonic logging.”