Ukraine and Moldova agree to build Dniestr bridge as border crossing

MOSCOW. June 13 (Interfax) - Ukraine and Moldova have signed an agreement on building a bridge across the Dniestr River near Ukraine's Yampol and Koseuts in Moldova that will serve as a border crossing between the two countries, Ukrainian media said, citing the press service for Ukraine's Territories, Communities and Infrastructure Development Ministry.

The relevant agreement was signed on Monday by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Territories, Communities and Infrastructure Development Minister Alexander Kubrakov and Moldova's Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Lilia Dabija, the report said.

The bridge will be built on the Ukraine-Moldova border and will become a key element of the two countries' transport corridor. After the bridge becomes operational, Ukrainian exporters will have the shortest route from central Ukraine to countries of Central and Southeastern Europe, bypassing Transdniestria, the press service said.

The Yampol bridge will serve as an alternative to the Yampol-Koseuts ferry lane, which has been out of operation for several years already, it said.

Moreover, the new bridge will help distribute the traffic flow between Ukraine and Moldova, currently passing through the Mogilev-Podolsky-Otaci international checkpoint.

The Yampol bridge will be more than 1,400 meters long and will feature two traffic lanes with sidewalks on both sides.