The cross-border bridge linking Romania and Ukraine, situated on the outskirts of Sighetu Marmației, will open to traffic at the beginning of July. The project, estimated at around €50 million, was announced by Gabriel Zetea, president of the Maramureș County Council.
Zetea highlighted the completion of technical inspections on the Romanian side of the bridge, an event attended by Miroslav Bilețchi, the military governor of Transcarpathia. The works on the Ukrainian side, including the access road and customs area, are in progress with an expected completion date by June 15, with a possible extension until July 1. Initially, traffic will operate on one lane in each direction, allowing pedestrians and small vehicles up to 3.5 tons.
Stretching 264 meters from DN 18 to the Tisa River, the bridge includes a roundabout, control areas, parking spaces, modern buildings, scanners, and staff spaces. The bridge is designed to last a century, according to Romanian officials.
The project faced numerous challenges, including delays and complex procedures. The Memorandum between the Romanian and Ukrainian governments, signed in June 2024, was a crucial step in overcoming these obstacles. Once operational, the new bridge will provide a direct connection between the two countries, complementing the existing wooden and metal bridge near Sighetu Marmației, which will remain open.
