Bridges in Ukraine: Crisis, Challenges and Way Forward

by NGO Vision Zero

The policy report critically analyzes the state of Ukraine's bridge infrastructure, highlighting key problems and proposing solutions. One of the main challenges is the aging infrastructure: almost half of the 28,500 bridges were built before 1964, leading to accelerated deterioration and an increasing number of unusable structures. The main problems include ineffective planning decisions, inflated costs due to excessive solutions and outdated norms, irrational use of funding, as well as corruption and a system of interests distorted by corruption.

The report describes in detail the policy problems resulting in insufficient levels of operational maintenance and the incomplete transition to Eurostandards, which isolates the Ukrainian market. At the same time, Ukraine has a strong engineering school and significant practical experience, which creates a solid foundation for further improvements. The document concludes with strategic recommendations, including the need to set realistic priorities, ensure quality planning, harmonize with EU norms, reorient towards maintaining existing facilities instead of new constructions, and integrate into the single European market.