Dacia Boulevard, one of the busiest arteries in Chisinau, has long posed serious safety risks to pedestrians and road users. Between 2014 and 2019, it was the site of 420 reported road crashes, resulting in 27 deaths and 529 injuries, with 40% of these crashes involving pedestrians - many struck on sidewalks, traffic islands, or faded pedestrian crossings.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Automobile Club of Moldova (ACM) took the lead in a multi-year effort to transform the boulevard into a safer, more accessible corridor.

In partnership with the Safer Roads Foundation and the Chisinau Mayor’s Office, ACM implemented critical upgrades at the Matei Millo/Fulgulesti intersection, one of the city’s most dangerous. In 2018 alone, this intersection accounted for 7 fatalities and 83 injuries. The redesigned layout - unveiled in September 2022 - includes enhanced pedestrian infrastructure and a safer, more visible crossing, directly addressing long-standing safety concerns.

This intersection upgrade is part of a broader initiative led by ACM to make Dacia Boulevard safer for all road users. In 2020, ACM - with support from EASST, the FIA, and the FIA Foundation - modernized three additional pedestrian crossings along the route, prioritizing vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians and persons with disabilities.

To ensure sustainable change, ACM has also initiated and coordinates a dedicated working group bringing together key stakeholders, including the Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CDPD), Universal Access, Lumteh Service, the Police (INSP), and Urban Platform. This group works on ongoing infrastructure improvements across Chisinau, guided by principles of safety, inclusivity, and international best practices.

The success of this project marks a turning point in the way pedestrian infrastructure is designed and implemented in Moldova. For ACM, it demonstrates the power of local leadership combined with international collaboration to deliver lasting, life-saving results.

As Moldova’s advocate for safer roads and sustainable mobility, the Automobile Club of Moldova remains committed to transforming infrastructure and protecting all who use it - especially those most at risk.