Romania approves construction of new bridge over Prut, Albita–Leuseni

Romania's government has given the green light for the start of works on the new road bridge over the Prut River, in the area of Albita–Leuseni border crossing point (Vaslui County – Republic of Moldova). The investment, estimated at about 257 million lei (RON), is one of the most important cross-border infrastructure upgrades in recent years and targets a key road corridor for the movement of people and freight transport between the two states.

Bucharest government decision approves the technical and economic indicators of Bridge on DN 24B km 42+092 over the Prut River, Albita–Leuseni. The normative act was published in the Official Journal on February 13, 2026 and stipulates that funding will come from non-reimbursable European funds (Transport Programme 2021–2027) and from the state budget, through the Ministry of Transport.

 

Old bridge, built in 1954, can no longer be saved

The current bridge at Albita is one of the most used border crossing points between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The existing structure dates back to 1954 and has been classified in technical class IV – unsatisfactory condition, with expert reports indicating advanced degradation and an overall condition index of approximately 30 points, which makes rehabilitation technically unjustified.

Therefore, the chosen solution is complete reconstruction.

What the new bridge will look like

The project provides for modern infrastructure, meant for heavy traffic and in line with European standards:

– total length: 420 metres (including ramps)

– two parallel structures (one per direction)

– four traffic lanes – two per direction

– direct connection to DN 24B (Romania) and the M1 road (Republic of Moldova)

– antiseismic protection in accordance with design regulations

– execution time: 24 months

During construction, traffic will not be blocked: a temporary diversion will be arranged downstream, with a provisional bridge.

No expropriations and bilateral cooperation

An important administrative aspect: the land on which the bridge will be built belongs to the Romanian state and the Republic of Moldova, so no expropriations are necessary – one of the main causes of delays in major infrastructure projects.

Part of a strategic network across the Prut

The new bridge will become the second modern bridge over the Prut, after the one at Ungheni (a component of the A8 Motorway – the Union Motorway). It will also connect to the future Tisita–Albita Expressway, considered vital for fast access to the border and for regional trade.

Romanian authorities emphasize that the objective is not just a technical one. The project will increase road safety, expand traffic capacity, reduce pollutant emissions and facilitate economic exchanges between the two states.

Impact for the Republic of Moldova

Albita–Leuseni border crossing point is the main road gateway between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. Modernizing the bridge will mean shorter waiting times at the border, faster flows for carriers, better logistical access to Romania’s ports and motorways and deeper economic integration.

In the current geopolitical context and amid growing trade flows, the investment is considered strategic for connecting the Republic of Moldova to European transport networks.

After decades in which crossing the Prut relied on outdated infrastructure, Albita project practically marks the beginning of a new generation of road links between the two banks of the Prut – not just a bridge, but an element of geopolitical and economic infrastructure.