Moldovan Interior Ministry says national roads stay passable, certain sections pose increased risk

National roads stay passable, but certain sections pose an increased level of risk. It is about areas with hairpin bends, steep climbs and descents, where traffic difficulties are caused by black ice and icy road surfaces.

According to the Interior Ministry (MAI), following an assessment of the operational situation, the authorities have suspended the circulation of heavy freight transport on national roads, a measure valid till February 7, at 06:00, in order to allow road maintenance teams to intervene efficiently in the field.

“Drivers of the stationary trucks are informed directly by officers of the Police and the Border Police. As of 17:00, 510 heavy vehicles are stationary on national routes,” the MAI said.

In the last 24 hours, more than 150 vehicles and around 220 road workers have been involved in anti-skid operations, with approximately 3,500 tons of anti-skid material spread. The National Roads Administration continues to monitor roads across the country.

Throughout today, police officers have intervened following around 300 calls received via the 112 Service, triggered by the unfriendly weather conditions.

“A number of 106 of them concerned road accidents caused by icy conditions, with no injured or deceased persons. At the same time, the Police intervened in over 50 cases on national roads and in 15 cases in settlements. Police crews stay mobilized, monitor traffic and intervene promptly to clear blockages and assist road users. An example of an efficient intervention took place in Ialoveni district, where an ambulance blocked on the carriageway was towed, allowing the medical crew to safely continue its mission,” the MAI noted.

In the context of icy conditions, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) received 17 emergency calls, intervening in 14 cases.

“Five cases concerned the unblocking and towing of vehicles, in four cases assistance was provided to Emergency Medical Service crews, and in two cases interventions were made at road accidents. Additionally, rescuers and firefighters provided support to medical crews in more localities, including: Parlita (Ungheni), Cioresti (Nisporeni), Borogani (Leova) and Pepeni (Sangerei), ensuring ambulance access to patients. Unblocking interventions took place in the districts of Ocnita, Drochia, Rascani and Causeni, and in Cahul district firefighters intervened to cut down trees that had fallen onto the roadway,” the Interior Ministry specified.

To support the population, the General Inspectorate of Carabineers intervened in 25 cases, mostly in the municipality of Chisinau, assisting pedestrians on sidewalks and at street crossings, as well as supporting transport units, including in the municipalities of Balti, Comrat, Cahul and the town of Causeni.

At present, the activity of the border crossing points is not disrupted, but entry into Moldova is temporarily suspended for heavy vehicles due to black ice on national roads. The Border Police have also intervened on route R-26, in the area of the localities Troitcoe–Mihailovca–Vasocianscoe, as well as in the border locality Pascauti, to assist people in traffic.

The Eugen Doga International Airport is operating as normal, but flight delays may occur due to mandatory de-icing procedures.

During 08:00-16:00, the 112 Service registered over 2,400 calls, of which more than 1,000 concerned emergencies. In addition, over 340 calls were received in the area of Police responsibilities, 17 for IGSU and 20 calls regarding the National Roads Administration.

According to the State Hydrometeorological Service, the Yellow Code for icy conditions stays in force till February 9, at 20:00, and weather conditions may continue to affect road traffic. In the context, the authorities are asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel, to drive with increased caution, to adapt their speed to road conditions and to follow the instructions of police officers and field authorities.

In case of emergency, people are urged to call the 112 Service.