Last section of Union Highway goes to tender; Romanian state secretary says highway no longer paper project, but historical reality

The National Road Investment Company (CNIR) of Romania has launched the tender for the design and carrying out of Section 4 of the A8 Union Highway. Thus, the Targu Neamt – Iasi – Ungheni section, which includes the last 15.5 kilometers of the highway at the border with Moldova, has an estimated cost of 4.7 billion Romanian lei and a total completion duration of 46 months.

State Secretary of Romania's Transport Ministry Horatiu Cosma emphasized that the entire A8 project from Motca to Ungheni would be financed through the SAFE – Security Action for Europe Program.

‘’The end of this year brings excellent news for the A8 Union Highway. Section 4 runs between DN 24 (Iasi) and the Prut River Bridge at Ungheni (customs point with Moldova) and has a 10-month term for design and 36 months for implementation,’’ said Horatiu Cosma.

At the same timey, under the same contract, Romania will construct, with European funds, the first kilometers of the highway on the territory of Moldova.

‘’The contractor will also build the first 5 km of the Ungheni – Chisinau Highway, between the Prut River Bridge and the bypass of Ungheni municipality – another concrete step towards uniting all Romanians in the European Union. The contract emphasizes the connection with the Prut River Bridge at Ungheni. CNIR will award additional points to bidders who undertake to complete, within 18 months, the 2.77 km segment between the Golaiesti junction and the Prut River Bridge,’’ said Horatiu Cosma.

The Romanian official presented more major technical challenges of the section. They include 14 bridges and passages; 2 tunnels (the longest about 1,700 m); two road junctions - a perspective junction for the connection with the Regional Hospital and Iasi Airport and the Golaiesti road junction.

The State Secretary presented more important actions completed in 2025 within the A8 Union Highway project. Last year, contractors were appointed for approximately 230 km, from Targu Mures to Targu Frumos.

‘’All other sectors are under tender. The mountain sector is in the design phase, with the first works starting in 2026. Also, this year, there are real chances to drive on the first kilometers of A8, around Targu Mures. The Union Highway is no longer a paper project, but a historical reality that is being fulfilled day by day and will connect Moldova with Transylvania and the rest of Europe through speed, safety and modernization,’’ said Horatiu Cosma.

The A8 Highway and its cross-border connections are not just investments in infrastructure, but investments in the European future of Moldova. The A8 Highway, also known as the Union Highway, is a strategic project that will link the east of Romania to the western part of the country and to 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 European transport networks. These investments enhance regional connectivity and play a significant role in the future effort of Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Additionally, the A8 Highway will become a strategic artery for Moldova, providing a direct and fast connection to the European road network. Furthermore, this corridor will play an essential role in future efforts of Ukraine’s recovery, strengthening the position of Moldova as a regional logistics hub.