Bridge over Prut in Ungheni - beginning of comprehensive modernization process

The access of goods from the Republic of Moldova to the European Single Market will be streamlined with the opening of the bridge over the Prut River, Ungheni-Ungheni. The strategically important infrastructure project will be completed in 2026. Moreover, Romania is considering developing the connectivity infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union by constructing new bridges. These statements were made by Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Romanian ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, in an exclusive interview with MOLDPRES News Agency.


'Next year the completion of the Ungheni-Ungheni bridge is planned, which is particularly important for streamlining the access of goods from the Republic of Moldova into the Single Market. In the future, we consider the additional development of the connectivity infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova with the transport network of the European Union through Romania, through multiple modernization or construction projects of bridges over the Prut River,' stated Cristian-Leon Țurcanu.


According to the diplomat, developing connections with Romania in the transport field is a central aspect of the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova, given that the direct access of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union's Single Market can only be achieved through Romania.


'At the bilateral level, we treat strategic projects in the transport field as an integral part of the common efforts for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. Developing the transport infrastructure between the two banks of the Prut is also essential because Romania is the main commercial partner of the Republic of Moldova. We wish and expect the completion of strategic infrastructure projects to streamline traffic between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, reducing waiting times at border checkpoints and thus generating a tangible, concrete benefit in the lives of citizens and the activities of companies on both banks of the Prut,' declared the Romanian ambassador.


The diplomat highlighted that Romania's investments in the Republic of Moldova amount to hundreds of millions of euros and represent an important engine of economic growth.

More information about the support offered by Romania for the modernization of the Republic of Moldova and progress on the path to European integration can be found in the exclusive interview given by His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, which will be published on moldpres.md on Monday, December 1, on Romania's National Day.



The Ungheni–Ungheni bridge over the Prut will have four traffic lanes and will be built to European standards, with the total investment amounting to over 30 million euros, funds sourced from European financing.

According to authorities, the project represents a major step for the modernization of cross-border infrastructure and for connecting the Republic of Moldova to the European Union's transport network.


'This will be the first true motorway in the Republic of Moldova, the continuation of Romania's A8 motorway. It will directly interconnect Romania – Chișinău – Odesa, which represents a huge opportunity for our economy. We are talking not just about asphalt and pillars, but about access to a market of hundreds of millions of consumers,' declared Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea.


According to the official, the economic impact of the project will be significant, contributing to increasing the competitiveness of the business environment and facilitating the transport of goods in the European area.

The bridge over the Prut between Iași and Ungheni, which is an integral part of the future A8 motorway, is the first between Romania and the Republic of Moldova built in the last 60 years.