Parliament boosts financing for major road infrastructure
The deputies approved a decision to double a loan designated for the rehabilitation of the Chisinau-Leuseni road and Sector II of the Chisinau city ring road. Following the ratification of the loan agreement, the credit amount was increased from 150 million euros to 300 million euros.
The information note highlights that the mentioned road sectors are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and are strategically important for linking the Republic of Moldova to the European Union's road infrastructure via the Leuşeni-Albita border crossing.
The document states, "The modernization of these national road sectors will reduce transportation costs for users in the Republic of Moldova, enhance regional mobility, and indirectly promote economic growth."
Justification for the doubling of the loan
Nicolai Mîndra, State Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR), explained the decision to double the loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He noted that an update to the project revealed an increased volume of work necessary for completion. Mîndra also acknowledged that the traffic structure along this route is challenging.
However, Constantin Cuiumju, a deputy from the Our Party faction, criticized the decision to double the loan. He pointed out that since the loan was ratified in 2024, no repair work has been conducted.
"I assume this amount was determined based on feasibility studies, technical-economic calculations, cost estimates, and a concrete implementation schedule. Which road sectors were included in the initial project? How many kilometers were supposed to be repaired, and what results have been achieved to date?" asked the deputy.
Approved changes
Nicolai Mîndra clarified that the initial conditions for the 150 million-euro loan focused solely on the rehabilitation of the M1 Leușeni-Chișinău road. However, since then, traffic conditions have changed significantly. The studies conducted in 2014 and 2021 did not consider the impact of the war in Ukraine on the road construction sector.
"The studies completed in 2025 have indicated a need to widen two segments of this road. The first segment is located between Leușeni and the intersection with the R33 Lăpușna road, spanning approximately nine kilometers. The second segment, from Chișinău to Nimoreni, will be expanded to four lanes. Additionally, all uphill sections along the remaining parts of the road will be upgraded to three lanes," explained the Secretary of State.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development of Romania (MIDR) is ready to launch tenders for the entire sector, from Leușeni to the Sculeni exit, where a bridge funded by the road fund has already been repaired.
"Each intersection with the streets of Chișinău will be modernized to ensure that the main road, which is the Chișinău ring road, experiences minimal interference from the municipality's roads and streets. This approach will improve traffic flow and prevent intersections from blocking the main road," Mîndra added.
Parking lots at Lăpușna and Nimoreni
The deadline for completing the project remains set for 2031. The Secretary of State has announced that the road will be constructed using cement concrete, as the country does not produce bitumen for asphalt or the specific types of crushed stone needed. All of these raw materials will need to be imported.
Along the Leușeni-Chișinău route, a parking lot for 200 trucks will be developed at Lăpușna, located at kilometer 9. A second parking lot will be established at Nimoreni.
The M1 Chișinău–Leușeni road, which spans 84 kilometers, and sector II of the M2 road, which covers 9.48 kilometers within the Chișinău municipality belt, are part of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T). These roads are strategically important for connecting the Republic of Moldova to the European Union's road infrastructure via the Leușeni–Albita border crossing point.
