Modular constructions can handle both passenger and truck traffic. Plans are underway to install modular bridges in Kharkiv Oblast to replace those destroyed during the war. The first such structures have already been delivered to Ukraine.

Source: State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure

“The Agency’s priority is to install these bridges in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions. In the frontline regions, people’s livelihoods depend primarily on roads. The destruction of bridges leads to the disconnection of communities from basic services. We need to restore logistics as quickly as possible so people can access medical care, rescuers, utilities, etc. We are grateful to our American partners for sending humanitarian aid so quickly,” says Mustafa Nayem, Head of the Recovery Agency.

The bridges were manufactured by the American company Acrow Corporation. The company specializes in producing modular and temporary bridges for construction and emergency response.

The structures are delivered to Ukraine in a disassembled form. Their advantages include ease of installation and reusability. A team of 5–10 people is enough to assemble one bridge. The bridges are immediately covered with asphalt concrete pavement at the production site.

Temporary crossing near the destroyed bridge in Kharkiv region / Photo: Denys Glushko, Gwara Media

The modular structures can withstand the traffic of both cars and trucks and thus will help to quickly restore uninterrupted traffic in the areas most affected by the war.

The structures were sent as part of the joint Modular Bridge project of the State Agency for Infrastructure Reconstruction and Development of Ukraine and CDF Corporation, with the support of a grant from The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which was launched in April 2022. The Foundation is financing the supply of 9 modular bridges to Ukraine.

Bridges in the region

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 25 bridges in Kharkiv Oblast have been destroyed. Currently, temporary crossings have been installed near the destroyed bridges. Another bridge has been repaired urgently.

The proper passage is necessary to establish logistics between the areas, especially the de-occupied ones. Foremost for the movement of humanitarian, defense and commercial goods. Detours of many kilometers consume a lot of resources.

By the end of 2022, 22-23 temporary crossings had been set up, and two more were completed this year.

See also

  • Destroyed hospitals reconstruction ongoing in Izium and Balakliia of Kharkiv Oblast. After the liberation, Izium Hospital became known beyond the borders of Ukraine. Famous actors and musicians donated EUR 250,000. Benefactors from abroad and all over Ukraine brought equipment.
  • After negotiations with the United Nations and international organizations regarding the problem of the territory demining, the Swiss company plans to help the Izium region and has already started the work.