After quarter of century, bridge re–opened between two Moldovan localities on both banks of Dniester

Chisinau, 18 November /MOLDPRES/ – The bridge between villages Gura Bacului and Bacioc was re – opened by Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, and Tiraspol leader, Vadim Krasnoselski, today.

The event was attended by a few officials, ambassadors accredited in Moldova and political representatives from both banks of the Dniester river.

During the event, Premier Pavel Filip declared that Gura Bacului – Bacioc bridge was inoperative for more years. "It is a symbolic event. The decision was taken after repeated discussions. It will be re – opened in the interest of population and economic agents as it will shorten the distance to Odessa city, Ukraine. We hope that this corridor will become functional and attractive. I think, it is one of the first positive results we are going to get and a symbol of removing barriers in circulation leading to an economic growth," said Filip.

At his turn, Vadim Krasnoselski specified that re – opening of the bridge was important both for the citizens of the nearby localities and economic agents. "The event of today is a positive impetus for solving other issues. We are still open for dialogue," said Krasnoselski.

The bridge circulation is possible starting today, however, those who cross the bridge will have to cross control on both banks of the Dniester. "It was discussed that this control should not be excessive. It is permitted to drive means of transport up to 3.5 tons on that bridge. Simultaneously, its technical condition will be monitored. The exact cost of repair works is not evaluated yet, as no totals have been made. Also, a part of the road from Ukraine, namely to Odessa, will be repaired in the works. In this regard, we will ask for the financial support of the foreign partners," said Deputy Prime Minister, Gheorghe Balan.

The bridge between localities Gura Bacului and Bacioc was opened after the Chisinau political representative, Gheorghe Balan, and the Transnistrian region one, Vitali Ignatiev, signed a protocol a fortnight ago, and there have been carried out the rehabilitation works since then.

The bridge was damaged during the military conflict events in 1992. The bridge was repaired in early 2000s out of European funds, while road traffic had not been restarted.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Raileanu)