September 2 (SeeNews) - The European Commission said on Monday it is investing 363.3 million euro ($398.2 million) to build a bridge over the Danube in the city of Braila.
The project should be completed by the end of 2023 and the amount which is to be invested comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the EC said in a press release.
The project also involves the construction of connecting roads in order to improve the transport connections from the Black Sea to the northeastern part of Romania.
"This EU-funded project will clearly improve the quality of life in the region through shorter and safer routes. Through simpler connections to Moldova and Ukraine, the cohesion project will also contribute to intensifying EU relations with its neighbors," Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Negotiations on Enlargement and Regional Policy Johannes Hahn said.
This project, which is part of the trans-European transport network, will also improve the connection between the northern part of the country, the city of Tulcea in the east, the Danube Delta and the port of Constanta in the south. Currently, connection is only possible through the Giurgeni-Vadul Oii bridge, which is located 88 km south of Braila or by ferry from Braila and Galati. Usually, the ferry crossing is closed in winter and spring due to frost, fog or storms, the EC said.
The new bridge will offer a faster alternative, as it will cut travel time by about 50 minutes.
($=0.9123 euro)