The Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) has refuted claims circulating on social media regarding new traffic regulations for the Paton Bridge. These claims, which included an infographic suggesting drivers should unfasten their seatbelts and open windows while crossing, have been labeled as false.
In a statement, the KCSA clarified that it did not prepare or disseminate any such materials, emphasizing that the information being shared is a fabrication. Despite the misinformation, the administration acknowledged that the Paton Bridge is currently operating under specific restrictions, including a ban on heavy vehicles and barriers preventing traffic in certain lanes.
Officials have not reported any immediate threats to drivers using the bridge. They assured the public that specialists from Kyivavtoshlyakhmist are continuously monitoring the structural integrity of the bridge and conducting necessary maintenance work.
The KCSA also highlighted that spreading false information could lead to administrative penalties under Article 173-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which may result in fines or corrective labor.
This misinformation appears to have originated from Maksym Bakhmatov, the head of the Desnyansky District State Administration, who shared the misleading infographic on social media. Initially, his post contained only the word “Important,” but he later modified it to include a note stating that the information was informal and referenced the bridge’s deteriorating condition since 2015.
Concerns about the Paton Bridge’s structural integrity have been raised previously. In February, researchers from the National Academy of Sciences warned that corrosion is damaging the bridge’s components, indicating that timely intervention is crucial to avoid extensive repairs in the future. Both the Paton and Metro Bridges have been in a state of disrepair for years.
In May 2024, the municipal corporation Kyivavtodor announced a tender for the restoration of the Metro Bridge, and by November 2025, the KCSA reported that support structures were being installed to extend the bridge’s operational lifespan by another 20 years.
For context, Bakhmatov has had a contentious political history, having served as an advisor to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko before his departure in July 2020. Since then, he has been vocal in his criticisms of the mayor’s administration, particularly after being appointed to his current position in May 2025.
The Kyiv City State Administration has dismissed claims of new traffic rules for the Paton Bridge as misinformation. The false information originated from a local official and highlights ongoing concerns about the bridge's structural integrity.