Ukraine to Build 21 Alternative Bridge Crossings as Russia Targets Transport Infrastructure
Ukraine’s government has approved a project to build 21 alternative bridge crossings, including crossings over the Dnipro River. Construction in Kyiv is already underway, with the first crossings expected to open in early 2027. The program aims to preserve transport links, logistics, public services and defence needs amid repeated Russian attacks on bridges.
Key points
- The government plans to build 21 alternative bridge crossings across rivers, including the Dnipro.
- The Cabinet of Ministers approved the experimental project on October 21.
- Construction of additional crossings in Kyiv has already begun.
- The central government is responsible for implementing the project.
- The first Kyiv crossings are planned to open in early 2027.
- Kyiv allocated 1 billion hryvnias for combined water crossings and access roads.
- A Russian strike on October 27 damaged Kyiv’s Southern Bridge and its metro infrastructure.
Why it matters
The project is intended to preserve transport connections, logistics, public services and defence needs despite damage to major bridges. It would reduce reliance on the Dnipro’s existing road bridges and pontoon crossings. With the first operational crossings in Kyiv planned for early 2027, construction progress and implementation are crucial for restoring connectivity.
What happened
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved an experimental project on October 21 to construct 21 alternative bridge crossings and access roads. The state will implement the project, while the central government has taken responsibility for construction in Kyiv. Work on the additional crossings has already begun, and the first are expected to operate in early 2027. Kyiv’s city government allocated 1 billion hryvnias for combined water crossings across the Dnipro and their access roads, with locations to be determined by the military command.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian reporting presents the programme as the government’s response to Russia’s repeated attacks on bridge infrastructure in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kharkiv. Coverage emphasizes state responsibility for implementation, construction already underway in Kyiv and the planned opening of the first crossings in early 2027. It also highlights the disruption caused by the October 27 strike on Kyiv’s Southern Bridge and metro infrastructure, as well as Kyiv’s planned funding for water crossings and access roads.
Background
Russian attacks have damaged bridge infrastructure in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kharkiv. A Russian ballistic attack on October 27 damaged Kyiv’s Southern Bridge and its metro infrastructure. Vehicle traffic was partially restored on October 30, but the affected metro service had not resumed. Before the attack, the Southern Bridge carried about 150,000 vehicles, while Kyiv’s Dnipro road bridges handled roughly 600,000 vehicles per day.