European Commission announced on Thursday that it has approved an investment worth 875.5 million euros from the Cohesion Fund for the construction of the first phase of the Sibiu-Piteşti highway, informs a press release of the Community Executive.

The European Commission emphasizes that this will be the first highway to cross the Carpathian Mountains, allowing better connectivity in Romania along the Rhine-Danube corridor. This corridor will provide an uninterrupted connection along Romania, from the port of Constanţa to the Nădlac customs, connecting central and western Romania with the European network of highways, according to Agerpres.

“This project will solve a major traffic jam in the Romanian transport network. It will increase road safety, shorten travel time and reduce the cost of passengers and freight. It will have a very positive effect on the economy and the quality of life of people in the area,” said Cohesion and Reform Commissioner, Elisa Ferreira.

The European Commission also approved funding of 578.4 million euros from the Cohesion Fund to improve Romania’s disaster response capacity. This investment will improve Romania’s land, air and sea response capacity by purchasing new equipment as well as by training staff. It will better protect the population in emergencies and help Romania comply with international obligations and the national strategy on climate change and low-growth economic growth.

The Sibiu – Piteşti highway will have a length of 122.11 kilometers and will be divided into five lots.