Business Forum • 29 May, 2026 at 1:00 PM
The National Road Investment Company (CNIR) has capitalised on European financial frameworks by signing the first two infrastructure contracts for the A8 Unirii (Union) Motorway under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme. The strategic developments mark a pivotal expansion of Romania's high-speed road network toward its eastern borders.
CNIR finalised the contract for Section 3, spanning Lețcani (DN28) to DN24 (Iași), with Spanish contractor FCC Construccion. Valued at RON 3.93 billion lei (€786 million), excluding VAT, the project serves as a critical northern bypass for Iași. It entails high technical complexity, including 18 bridges and viaducts, six tunnels with a dedicated monitoring centre, and two major road interchanges. The contract spans 46 months, allocating 10 months for design and 36 months for construction.
Gabriel Budescu, General Director at CNIR, said: "Every contract signed for the A8 reinforces the European dimension and strategic value of this project, which, for the first time, will extend beyond Romania's borders."
The signing follows the initial SAFE-funded contract for Section 1, connecting Târgu Neamț (Moțca) to Târgu Frumos. Awarded to a consortium led by SA&PE Construct, alongside Tehnostrade, Spedition UMB, and Euro-Asfalt, the contract is valued at RON 4.87 billion lei (€974 million), excluding VAT. The 27-kilometre section includes 36 bridges spanning 8.5 kilometres, four tunnels, and three interchanges. It shares an identical 46-month timeline. Crucially, a 5.5-kilometre segment connecting the A8 Section III to the DN2 and A7 Moldovei Motorway will be prioritised for completion within 12 months.
The deployment of SAFE funding safeguards the project from delays that have previously impacted regional infrastructure.
The CNIR General Director said: "Following performance bond submissions, we will issue the commencement order immediately to avoid situations encountered recently with major PNRR contracts, where delays necessitated alternative financing solutions."