Paton Bridge in Critical Condition: Unofficial Driving Guidelines Issued by District Head

Driving Guidelines for the Emergency Paton Bridge

According to Главком: The head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration, Maksym Bakhmatov, has issued unofficial driving rules for the emergency Paton Bridge in Kyiv. The bridge, which spans the Dnipro River, is under 24/7 monitoring by the municipal enterprise 'Kyivavtoshliakhmist'. Its maintenance status is currently assessed as critical, though a full closure of the bridge is not currently planned.

Recommendations for Drivers

The guidelines published by Bakhmatov advise drivers to follow specific safety measures. In particular, drivers are instructed to:

• keep their car windows open;
• leave doors unlocked;
• unfasten seatbelts;
• keep a phone within reach.

These precautions apply to anyone intending to use the bridge under the current conditions.

Heavy goods vehicles were previously banned from using the Paton Bridge. Installed water-filled barrier blocks prohibit vehicle traffic in the first lanes of the bridge's roadway. As noted by the Department of Transport Infrastructure of the Kyiv City State Administration:

“A complete closure is not currently foreseen.” - Department of Transport Infrastructure of the Kyiv City State Administration

These measures aim to ensure the safety of road users given the bridge's critical technical state.

The situation around the Paton Bridge highlights the broader challenges of infrastructure monitoring and maintenance in Ukraine. With the bridge being a vital river crossing for the capital, these temporary rules are a stark reminder of the strain on public assets. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for drivers to minimize personal risk and ensure the safety of all road users until more permanent repairs can be made.