After 50 Years: Moldova bridge linking Gagauzia to Taraclia repaired
A vital road bridge in Moldova, connecting Ceadîr-Lunga and Taraclia, is set for major repairs after more than 50 years without maintenance.
Local authorities and drivers have stressed the route's importance. Work is set to begin next month and is due for completion by spring 2027.
The bridge, which is located near the village of Corten in the southern Taraclia district and spans the Lunguţa River, was constructed between 1975 and 1980. The structure is 35 metres long and 10 metres wide. Since its construction, the bridge has not benefited from any major repairs.
"I use the bridge daily. Every bridge in our country must be repaired and maintained; it will be safer and more convenient," one resident said.
"The bridge is not just necessary for our village. Although traffic between the districts here is not very heavy, many vehicles use the route," said another local.
Alexandra Yabanji, a representative of the National Road Administration in Taraclia, noted: "We are on an asphalt road with two lanes of national importance. In the last 10-15 years, there have only been visual inspections, not measurements, technical assessments, or anything else. There is indeed an urgent need for major repairs."
Andrei Baltakov, the Vice President of the Taraclia District, stated: "It is our only road connecting Gagauzia [an autonomous region] with Taraclia, and the repair of this bridge is important because many people travel to the Ceadîr-Lunga hospital for treatment and return. Regarding freight transport, the route to the Giurgiulești port from Ceadîr-Lunga is usually on this road. This is precisely why we started paving the Corten village bypass road to reduce local traffic."
The National Road Administration states that approximately 3,000 vehicles currently use the bridge daily, with traffic expected to increase to 5,500 vehicles per day following the major repairs. The estimated project value is over 11 million Moldovan Lei (MDL). The deadline for completion is March 1, 2027.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
