Ungheniul again wrote history over Prut – the angle – see the world as it is!

After a period of 35 years since the first flower bridge in 1990, a new historical event took place in Ungheni – the beginning of the construction of a new road bridge over the Prut River. It will unite the localities Golaiești (Romania) and Zagarancea (Republic of Moldova) and will be an integral part of the future A8 highway or the Union Highway.

A bridge between the past and the future
The event was marked by a festival with the generic « Flower Bridge-Union of Hearts », in which officials from the Republic of Moldova and Romania participated. They arrived by train, being greeted with applause, songs and flowers on the platform of the international railway station. The delegations then started in a festive march to Independence Square, where they were met by an enthusiastic crowd. Subsequently, the officials continued their way to the town of Zagarana, where the foundation stone of the road bridge was to be laid.

A project with strategic stakes
The new road bridge is more than a construction of infrastructure: it is a symbol of irreversible proximity between the two banks of the Prut. It will be part of a future highway to link Iasi de Chisinau, a dreamed project for over six decades.
« It is a memorable day, which will enter history, » said Elena, a resident of Ungheni, with emotion. « Through this bridge, not only the economy, but our culture will develop. »
The total value of the project is 32.9 million euros, of which 16.4 million represents the contribution of the European Union. The bridge will have four lanes and sidewalks, with a length of 261 meters and a width that will reach 24-25 meters in the second stage.

A show of the unit
The ceremony of laying the foundation stone was broadcast live on a huge screen in the city center. Also here, the spectators were able to admire an impressive air show supported by the pilots of the « Şoimii Romania » Airfit. The emotions reached the peak when, after the first symbolic drilling, the participants threw flowers in the Prut, resuming an emblematic gesture of the flower bridge in 1990. « If our ancestors made a bridge of emotion, our generation must build stone bridges, out of respect for the past and with responsibility to the Republic of Moldova, »

Festival and folk holiday
The event was completed by a fair with traditional products, craft workshops, paintings and specially arranged spaces. The atmosphere was maintained by artists from both countries: the wolves of Calancecea, the Osoianu sisters, Vali Boghean Band, Cristofor Aldea Teodorovici, the « Fluieraș » Ensemble, Laura Haidău, Adriana Ochișanu, Cornelia Ștefănet, the ensemble « Doina Ilfovului », the « Constantin Arvin » Ensemble, Antonia  » From Ungheni who offered vibrant moments, meant to unite through music the hearts of those present. « Today is made history, » said Dionisie Ternovschi, president of the Ungheni district on the day of the event. « This bridge will link us to the civilized and prosperous world, which values ​​peace. »

Bridges for future generations
According to the Romanian Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu, this bridge is just the beginning: « We have four more bridges over Prut, which could enter the execution next year. It is 60 years since such a bridge was not built – it is time to recover. »
Adina Ioana Vălean, European Commissioner for Transport, specified in her speech that this bridge « is a bridge between the two savings – of Moldova and Romania. It is the expression of freedom of movement, an opportunity for development and communication for both countries. Together we can develop ourselves, both practically and symbolically, for this bridge to become a strategic node ».
We mention that the bridge from Zagarancea is the first built in highway over Prut. It will strengthen connectivity and increase economic competitiveness and open new development opportunities for both countries. According to the authorities of the Republic of Moldova, which were quoted by Radio Moldova, the road traffic will be provisionally opened on the bridge in the autumn of 2026, while the completion of the Union Highway (A8) is estimated for the years 2029-2030.