Construction of the Ungheni Bridge over the Prut, a €30 million project, exceeds 25% completion on the Romanian side and 20% on the Moldovan side

Construction works on the future Ungheni Bridge over the Prut River are progressing steadily, marking one of the most significant cross-border investments of recent decades.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development of Moldova and the Romanian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the project has reached over 20% completion on the Moldovan side and 25% on the Romanian side.

Authorities describe the bridge as a symbolic milestone for bilateral relations, as well as a strategic investment. Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, who visited the site, emphasized both its practical and emotional importance:

“The Ungheni Bridge is a symbolic and strategic project for Moldova. It is advancing according to plan, and our goal is to make it operational by the end of next year. It will connect Moldova to the future A8 Highway and integrate us into the European transport network.”

Progress on the Moldovan side

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea reported that essential works on the abutments – the support structures at the bridge ends – have been completed:

• Abutment foundations (radier) are finished;

• Reinforcement and formwork of the elevations are completed;

• Concrete pouring for both traffic lanes is 90% complete.

“Work is progressing well, and the project remains on schedule,” the minister noted.

Progress on the Romanian side

On the Romanian side, construction is advancing even faster. State Secretary Irinel Scrioșteanu announced that production of the metal superstructure (the bridge deck) has already started in Satu Mare:

• Abutment foundations completed;

• Reinforcement and formwork finalized;

• Concrete for both lanes 90% complete;

• The pile foundation is ready, the first lane deck fully poured, and reinforcement for the second lane is 75% complete.

“The start of metal deck production is a key stage, as this structure will unite the two riverbanks. It shows the project is moving at a very good pace,” Scrioșteanu said.

The bridge will be the first built over the Prut in more than 60 years and the first at motorway standard between Romania and Moldova, representing a concrete step toward the A8 Highway project.

Specifications and economic impact

The new bridge will be 261 meters long, consisting of two parallel structures, each with two traffic lanes per direction and sidewalks for pedestrians. After opening, traffic will temporarily use existing national roads until the Romanian motorway section is completed.

Moldova is simultaneously conducting a feasibility study to extend the motorway to Chișinău, which will strengthen regional connectivity and integration into the European transport network.

The bridge will include a joint border crossing, connecting:

• The Târgu Mureș – Iași – Ungheni – border motorway on Romanian territory;

• The Chișinău – Ungheni – border national road on Moldovan territory.

Financing

Launched on April 26, 2025, the project is funded through the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility, with a total investment of over 151.68 million Romanian lei (over €30 million).

“This investment contributes not only to infrastructure development but also to strengthening economic and social ties between Romania and Moldova, representing a significant step toward European integration,” according to the Ministry of Transport.