The Paton Bridge in Kyiv is approaching a critical state, prompting urgent calls for repairs to prevent potential structural failures. Experts from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine have warned that without immediate action, parts of the bridge could collapse, leading to severe consequences for both public safety and the city’s transport infrastructure.
According to Alexander Shymanovsky, a member of the academy and head of the institute that designed the bridge, the situation is dire. He emphasized that if defects identified in a previous inspection are not addressed soon, the bridge’s structural integrity will deteriorate at an accelerated rate. This could result in catastrophic failures and significant risks to human life.
“If the defects found during last year’s inspection are not rectified soon, the bridge will not only continue to degrade but will do so at an alarming pace,” Shymanovsky stated.
Specialists have outlined a series of necessary repairs to enhance the bridge’s safety and longevity. Key actions include reinforcing the main beams at support number 25, repairing intermediate supports 11 and 21, and replacing expansion joints.
Background on Paton Bridge
Recent assessments have revealed new alarming issues with the bridge, as reported by Vice President of the National Academy, Vyacheslav Bogdanov. He noted that significant defects have been detected, which severely compromise the bridge’s reliability and durability.
Bogdanov expressed concern over the bridge’s remaining lifespan, stating that it is effectively zero. He questioned why the bridge is still in use, given the ongoing corrosion that could render it too late for repairs within five years.
The deteriorating condition of the Paton Bridge is part of a broader issue affecting two of Kyiv’s five major road bridges over the Dnipro River, with both the Paton and Metro bridges facing increasing structural challenges.
The Paton Bridge in Kyiv is in critical condition, with experts warning of potential collapses if urgent repairs are not undertaken. The National Academy of Sciences has highlighted severe structural issues that could lead to catastrophic failures, emphasizing the need for immediate action.