Romania and Bulgaria to build second Danube bridge with EU funds

Romania and Bulgaria are set to gain a second bridge over the Danube River, a strategic infrastructure project aimed at improving cross-border connectivity. The National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) in Romania has announced the completion of the tender for the feasibility study of this new bridge, which will link Giurgiu and Ruse.

Cristian Pistol, the director of CNAIR, confirmed that the contract for the study was awarded to EGIS România S.A. for 50.04 million lei (excluding VAT). The study is expected to take 23 months to complete. This significant project is being financed through non-reimbursable European funds via the CEF2 program, specifically its Military Mobility component. This indicates the bridge is designed for dual use, catering to both civilian and military transportation needs.

The new Giurgiu-Ruse 2 bridge is envisioned as a combined road and rail connection. Its primary goals are to streamline cross-border traffic and alleviate congestion on the current bridge connecting the two cities. Pistol noted that the contract signing will proceed after a mandatory 10-day legal period, provided no appeals are filed. He reiterated that the bridge will have a dual civil and military character, facilitating both road and rail transport between Romania and Bulgaria.

Following the completion of the feasibility study, the project will advance to the next stages of approval and technical design. It is recognized as one of the most crucial road and rail infrastructure objectives along the Romanian-Bulgarian border.

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Podul Giurgiu–Ruse 2 va avea caracter dual, civil și militar, și va asigura conexiunea dintre România și Bulgaria atât pentru transportul rutier, cât și pentru cel feroviar