In recent times, there has been growing discussion about the urgent need to build major roadways connecting Moldova’s transport infrastructure to the European Union’s road network.
Moreover, following the Russian military aggression in Ukraine and the resulting need for new logistics routes—including connecting Moldova to transit corridors for Ukrainian goods to the European Union—it has become critical to rethink the national road system and develop new highways and express roads.
In addition to economic benefits and improved road mobility, some highways could also serve to reconnect regions inhabited by ethnic Romanians/Moldovans through modern and safe road routes.
It is no secret that a large number of residents from the UNGHENI region commute daily to Iași, working in various public and private institutions, from medical professionals to employees in the industrial zones of Iași.
Similarly, every weekend, shopping centers and stores in Ungheni are crowded with visitors from Iași who come for shopping and to fuel their vehicles at lower prices.
For these reasons—driven by the needs of businesses in Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, and the EU, as well as security considerations—significant investments in large infrastructure projects are necessary. These projects would strengthen road connectivity across Europe, linking East to West and North to South.
Consequently, in addition to new road bridges over the Prut and Dniester rivers, and the development of national and international highways, the idea of a pedestrian bridge over the Prut River is gaining attention.
From a geographical, economic, geopolitical, and strategic perspective, the ideal location for the first pedestrian bridge over the Prut River is the municipality of UNGHENI.
Architects: Strasky & Husty
Surface Area: 2,452 m²
Completion Year: 2021
Related Projects:
- Where the Ungheni – Chisinau – Odessa highway – the first highway connecting Romania, Moldova and Ukraine – will pass through
- From Ungheni to the Black Sea: The Chernivtsi – Ungheni – Constanța Highway Concept
- Giurgiulești North Seaport – The First International Port on the Prut River
- От Прута до Днепра. Как может выглядеть автомагистраль Яссы – Унгены – Киев
- От Унген до Черного моря. Концепция автомагистрали Черновцы – Унгены – Констанца
- Где пройдет автомагистраль Унгены – Одесса – первая автомагистраль соединяющая Румынию, Молдову и Украину
The Concept: Pedestrian Bridge Over the Prut in UNGHENI
Building on previous highway initiatives and the proposed Prut River bridge connecting Romania’s historic capital Iași with Moldova’s western gateway, UNGHENI, NEWS.UNGHENI.ORG, led by founder Marin BODRUG, introduces a new concept: the first pedestrian bridge over the Prut River.
This bridge would reconnect the two sides of UNGHENI—divided in 1812 by the Tsarist Empire—while creating a direct link with the city of Iași, Romania.
Key Benefits of the Pedestrian Bridge Concept:
- Reuniting Ungheni municipality (left bank) with Ungheni village (right bank)
- Restoring historical mobility between the two areas as it existed before 1812
- Establishing pedestrian connectivity between two regional economic centers: UNGHENI (Moldova) and IAȘI (Romania/EU)
- Supporting sustainable transport and cross-border integration
Proposed Bridge Design:
The proposed pedestrian bridge would span approximately 120–150 meters over the Prut River. Two potential locations are under consideration:
- Central Sector, French Park, above Eiffel Bridge
- Access: Pod Eiffel road via the Palace of Culture
- Length: 120–150 meters
- Advantages: Close to city center, potential public transport extension, space for parking and sheltered waiting areas, direct access to French Park
- Disadvantages: Limited space for parking on the right bank
- Ungheni Vale Sector, Suceava Street, below Eiffel Bridge
- Access: Suceava Street, road to CESF Ungheni
- Length: 120–150 meters
- Advantages: Close to city center, potential public transport extension, sufficient parking space, direct street access
- Disadvantages: Limited space for sheltered waiting areas, proximity to strategic CESF Ungheni facility
Strategic Importance:
If implemented, this pedestrian bridge over the Prut River in UNGHENI would become a regional—and potentially European—landmark, enhancing cross-border connectivity and mobility. It would complement existing road infrastructure projects while fostering social, economic, and cultural links between Moldova and Romania.
Related Concepts by Marin BODRUG:
- Ungheni to the Black Sea: Chernivtsi – Ungheni – Constanța Highway Concept
- Future Map Proposal for the VEST/UNGHENI Region
- Ungheni as Moldova’s Karting Capital
- Promoting Ungheni’s Cultural and Investment Climate
- Audio Podcast: Europe Direction Interview with Marin BODRUG
- Editorials on Smart Buses vs. Marshrutkas, Civic Engagement, and Regional Development
- Festival of Chestnuts in Ungheni
Marin BODRUG, founder of NEWS.UNGHENI.ORG, encourages stakeholders, local authorities, and citizens to support this initiative and help realize the first pedestrian bridge over the Prut River.
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