Paton Bridge in Kyiv Has Zero Structural Integrity, Experts Urge Immediate Government Action.

Urgent Call for Paton Bridge Reconstruction

According to Novyny.live: Experts have urgently called on the Ukrainian government to begin reconstructing Kyiv's Paton Bridge after inspections revealed dangerous structural damage. The National Committee of Ukraine on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics sent a letter to Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, emphasizing the bridge's critical condition. This vital artery over the Dnipro River is a crucial link in the capital's transport network.

A recent routine inspection uncovered new and dangerous signs of deterioration within the bridge's structure. Its remaining structural integrity has been assessed as zero, with corrosion affecting nearly all the metal in the cross beams. Vyacheslav Bogdanov, one of the experts, stated,

"Corrosion is relentlessly eating away at this structure, and if we don't take care of it now, it may be too late in just five years."

Required Reconstruction Measures

Since 2018, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the E.O. Paton Institute of Electric Welding have repeatedly highlighted the bridge's emergency state. However, Kyiv's city authorities have yet to hold a tender for the development of design and estimate documentation, which is stalling further reconstruction steps. The expected cost of work on the transport interchange on Brestskyi Avenue is 609.8 million UAH.

Among the necessary measures experts say must be carried out during reconstruction are:

• Construction of two overpass exit ramps;
• Anti-corrosion protection for structures and drainage systems;
• Road works including the installation of barrier and railing fencing;
• Relocation of utility networks;
• Landscaping of the adjacent area;
• Organization of permanent traffic flow patterns;
• Commissioning of the transport interchange for use.

With bridge safety being paramount for the capital's infrastructure, an immediate response from authorities is critically needed to prevent potential disasters. Reconstructing the Paton Bridge, a key component of Kyiv's road network, would significantly improve traffic safety and reduce risks for drivers and pedestrians. Inaction by local authorities could lead to severe consequences, including threats to life and health, as well as substantial economic costs in the event of a failure.