Ukraine and Romania have agreed on a joint infrastructure project for the development of border communication in the “Porubne – Siret” direction, which will be implemented with funding from the European Union within the framework of the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) mechanism.
The relevant protocol between the parties was signed in order to synchronize solutions on both sides of the border.
The project involves the construction of the Suceava – Siret expressway (part of the A7 motorway) on the territory of Romania with access directly to the Ukrainian border, as well as the modernization of the Ukrainian section of the road in the direction of Chernivtsi. The development of the access infrastructure on the Ukrainian side is a key element of the project, as it directly affects the throughput capacity of the “Porubne – Siret” checkpoint.
“It is fundamentally important for Ukraine that infrastructure solutions on the border are synchronized on both sides. The key to this project is not only the construction of the expressway on the Romanian side, but also the modernization of Ukrainian approaches to the border. This is what allows us to eliminate “bottlenecks”, increase capacity and make the border a connection point, not a barrier,” said Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine Serhiy Derkach.
In particular, the project includes:
– Expanding the Ukrainian section of the road from the border towards Chernivtsi to two lanes in each direction;
– Synchronizing the approaches and logistics solutions with the new Suceava-Siret (A7) expressway on the Romanian side;
– Preparing the infrastructure for increased traffic flows after the completion of construction.
The implementation of the project will eliminate “bottlenecks” on the Ukrainian section of the border, ensure faster and safer traffic, and strengthen the integration of the Ukrainian transport network with the European one. As a result, the border will function as an effective connection point, rather than a barrier to the movement of people and goods.
In parallel, the expansion of the Porubne border crossing for freight transport has already begun. Until the end of the year, its capacity is planned to be increased through reconstruction and an increase in the number of traffic lanes. (Development Ministry)