The National Company for Road Investments CNIR said it awarded the contract for the final section of the A8 (Union) motorway, marking a key milestone for one of Romania’s most important infrastructure projects. The segment will also include the first motorway connection across the Prut River into Moldova. “We are achieving a milestone for the Târgu Mureș-Iași-Ungheni motorway project: the selection of the contractor for the final kilometers to be built in Romania, as well as the first motorway section crossing the Prut River, a premiere we are marking under the SAFE Programme,” reads the CNIR announcement.

The RON 3.57 billion (excluding VAT) contract was granted by the CNIR to a consortium led by Italy’s ITINERA, together with ICM S.P.A and Saipem. The project includes the design and construction of a 15.5 km section between Iași and the Prut River bridge at Ungheni, as well as a 5 km motorway segment on Moldovan territory. The contract will be carried out over 46 months, including 10 months for design and 36 months for construction.

A priority segment of 2.77 km between the Golăiești interchange and the Ungheni bridge is expected to see accelerated progress. The new section will include 14 bridges and overpasses, two tunnels - one of them measuring 1.76 km - and two major interchanges, including links to Iași’s regional hospital and airport, CNIR said. irina.marica@romania-insider.com (Photo source: Facebook/Compania Națională de Investiții Rutiere)