The road R16 Balti-Falesti-Sculeni will be rehabilitated according to European standards within 2 years, after the State Road Administration today signed an agreement with the Italian contractor Impresa Pizzarotti & C S.p.A, IPN reports.

Road Administration director Gheorghe Curmei told a news conference that the €50.5 million project involves replacement of the asphalt, the broadening of the road by 1 meter, and the installation of street lights and construction of sidewalks where the 60km-long road crosses inhabited areas. The funds for the project come from a European Investment Bank loan taken two years ago.

Transport and Roads Minister Iurie Chirinciuc hopes working together with the Italian contractor will be a positive experience. “We know that Italy boasts some of the best highways in Europe. We hope that the experience accumulated by this company will be implemented in Moldova and that this is not the last contract of this company here”.

The work should start within 2 months from signing the contract. The company promises to complete the rehabilitation before the two-year deadline. Otherwise, it will face a 0.05% penalty for each day of delay.