After repeated Russian strikes on the Southern and Northern bridges, Kyiv is preparing backup crossings: construction starts next week and may take up to three months.
Between 1 and 3 October, Russian drones struck Kyiv's Southern and Northern bridges over the Dnipro several times. Now the authorities are preparing a fallback: pontoon crossings that would keep the two banks connected even if the bridges are put out of action. Volunteers Support Ukraine summarises what is known about the plan.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Mykola Kalashnyk said construction of several reserve crossings will begin as early as next week, and that locations have already been chosen. The design combines earth embankments with pontoon sections, the quickest way to restore a link between the left and right banks.
According to the minister, building the crossings could take up to three months. They are meant to carry at least half the capacity of the existing bridges. Around 600,000 vehicles cross between the two banks every day, and the goal is to keep that flow moving.
Beyond pontoons, quick-assembly concrete structures are under review and, in the long term, a tunnel under the Dnipro. Such a project would cost tens of billions of hryvnias, so it depends on support from international partners. Protecting the existing bridges from new attacks remains a priority.
Volunteers Support Ukraine keeps helping people affected by the war with the resources available, and follows how the capital and other cities adapt to new threats.
