At IRD Engineering, we are proud to have served as the FIDIC Engineer for the rehabilitation of the R8.1 Arionești–Otaci road section, a 9.47 km segment that was officially opened to traffic on 10 August 2026 in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Administrația Națională a Drumurilor (AND), local authorities, and the Contractor, Rutador.
For many years, the Arionești–Otaci road was considered one of the most deteriorated and neglected sections of Moldova’s national road network, despite its strategic importance in providing access to the Otaci border crossing and connecting northern Moldova with the rest of the country. The successful completion of this project marks a significant milestone in the modernization of Moldova’s transport infrastructure and in the improvement of regional connectivity.
The project involved the rehabilitation of 9.47 km of national road, including the construction of a 7.0 m-wide two-lane carriageway, an additional lane for heavy vehicles, and the complete reconstruction of the pavement structure comprising base, binder and wearing courses. The works also included the rehabilitation of four culverts, construction of a new drainage system, three bus stations, installation of approximately 300 road signs, application of 5,178 m² of road markings, installation of 2,944 linear metres of safety barriers, and placement of 527 delineator posts and nine kilometre markers, bringing the route up to modern safety and operational standards.
Implemented under a contract financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the project forms part of the wider Moldova Road Rehabilitation Programme IV. The programme aims to strengthen strategic transport corridors linking the Ukrainian border with northern Moldova and onwards to Chișinău, enhancing both national and international connectivity.
Beyond the engineering achievements, the project delivers tangible benefits to local communities through improved road safety, smoother traffic flow, shorter travel times and better access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities. Local authorities have reported that journeys which previously took up to two hours can now be completed in approximately 30 to 40 minutes on some sections of the corridor.
During the inauguration ceremony, Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, highlighted the strategic role of the corridor in connecting northern and southern Moldova and facilitating national trade flows, including access to the country’s river and maritime gateways that support exports and imports.
The Arionești–Otaci section is the first completed component of the wider Soroca–Arionești–Otaci corridor, a route of approximately 40 km with a total investment of around EUR 44 million. Once the remaining sections are completed, the corridor will provide a modern road connection built to European standards.
As FIDIC Engineer, IRD Engineering was responsible for contract administration and construction supervision in accordance with the FIDIC MDB Harmonised Conditions of Contract, supporting the successful delivery of this important infrastructure investment and ensuring that the works were implemented to the highest quality and safety standards.
For more information, feel free to contact us at info@irdeng.com