According to the pre-feasibility study published by Radio Europa Liberă Moldova, the Moldovan government has selected the route for the country’s first high-speed road, choosing to modernize and extend the M5 national highway—known locally as the “betonka”—at an estimated contract value of 88 de milioane de lei moldovenești, fără TVA, adică aproximativ 23 milioane de lei românești, financed through the national road fund to connect with Romania’s A8 highway across the Prut River bridge at Ungheni.
Route Selection and Infrastructure Advantages of the M5 Highway
The chosen route utilizing the M5 corridor bypasses most localities and already features multi-level grade-separated interchanges, according to the pre-feasibility study cited by Radio Europa Liberă Moldova. Planners found that the existing road parameters closely match design requirements for a high-speed motorway under Moldovan standards, permitting straightforward expansion to four lanes over approximately 125 kilometers up to the future Chișinău beltway. This option was favored over the R1 Chișinău-Sculeni road, which presented major relief difficulties, significant altitude variations, and risks to the “Plaiul Fagului” Nature Reserve.
Connection to Romania’s A8 Highway and Cross-Border Project Details
The initial stretch of Moldova’s high-speed road infrastructure involves a 5-kilometer segment on Moldovan territory connecting to the Berești railway station area, built in close coordination with Romania’s Unirii A8 Motorway project following the completion of the new Prut River bridge at Ungheni, as detailed in the bidding documentation. In Romania, the A8 project spans approximately 305 kilometers from Târgu Mureș to the border, connecting regions across the Carpathians and linking to the A7 Moldovean motorway at Pașcani. The first 5 kilometers of motorway on the Moldovan side will be constructed by Romania.
Did you know? The nickname “betonka” originates from the Soviet-era construction in the 1980s on the specific segment between Chișinău and Bălți, which used massive concrete slabs instead of standard asphalt.
Technical Challenges Along the Ungheni-Chișinău Corridor
Engineers and designers face a specific technical hurdle where the future motorway route intersects with the strategic Iași-Ungheni gas pipeline, according to the tender documents. The current pipeline network does not meet technical undercrossing norms for a high-speed arterial road, requiring additional adaptation and protection works for the gas infrastructure. Financing estimates from the pre-feasibility assessment indicate that the segment from Ungheni to Negrești requires funding and is split into two sections, while the 30-kilometer Negrești-Budești stretch has no cost estimate yet, pending the final feasibility study.
Broad Scope and Cost Projections for the A8 Axis
The broader pre-feasibility study serves as the baseline for designing and constructing the extended A8 corridor linking Ungheni, Chișinău, and Odesa, with total estimated costs reaching significant figures, according to Radio Europa Liberă Moldova. However, the continuation from Chișinău to Odesa is not included in the scope of the current feasibility study documentation put out to tender. In Romania, implementation is underway with design-and-execution contracts already signed for the Târgu Mureș – Miercurea Nirajului and Leghin – Târgu Neamț sections, while the central mountainous sector between Miercurea Nirajului and Leghin is divided into six distinct mountain lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the initial contract for Moldova’s first high-speed road?
According to Radio Europa Liberă Moldova, the estimated contract value is 88 de milioane de lei moldovenești, fără TVA, adică aproximativ 23 milioane de lei românești.
Which route was selected for the road project?
The Moldovan government opted to modernize and extend the existing M5 national highway, known as the “betonka,” rather than the R1 route.
Who is building the first 5 kilometers of motorway in Moldova?
The first 5 kilometers on Moldovan territory will be constructed by Romania in direct continuation of the A8 Unirii Motorway project.
What is the total estimated cost for the Ungheni to Odesa route?
Pre-feasibility estimates place the total cost for the entire route from Ungheni to Odesa at around 2,8 miliarde de euro.
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