Kyiv introduces backup bridge traffic schemes: reversible lanes on Paton Bridge and truck detours on Northern and Southern Bridges

Starting Monday, November 9, 2026, backup transport communication schemes between the Left and Right banks will come into effect in Kyiv. This was announced by the Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Ivan Vyhivskyi, emphasizing that the changes are being introduced due to additional security challenges and are aimed at relieving pressure on the capital's key bridge crossings and optimizing traffic flows. The news is confirmed by RBC-Ukraine and Channel 24, citing an official statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Paton Bridge: Reversible traffic during rush hours

The most significant changes will affect the Paton Bridge, where the patrol police will organize reversible traffic. During morning hours from 07:00 to 10:00, three of the five lanes will operate in the direction of the Right Bank, which will increase capacity toward the main business center. In the evening, from 16:00 to 20:00, the scheme changes symmetrically: three lanes will be directed toward the Left Bank. The remaining lanes during both periods will operate normally, ensuring oncoming traffic.

Northern Bridge: Trucks detoured, public transport returns to the bridge

At the approaches to the Northern Bridge, patrol officers will redirect freight transport around it via the Podilskyi Bridge Crossing. At the same time, the movement of public transport from the Left Bank to the Right, as well as cars and public transport from the Right Bank to the Left, will be resumed. Thus, for regular passengers and car drivers, the Northern Bridge returns to full operational mode, while heavy trucks and freight vehicles will be routed to an alternative path.

Southern Bridge: Trucks via Darnytskyi, other traffic without restrictions

A similar logic applies to the Southern Bridge: freight transport moving from the Left Bank to the Right will be detoured via the Darnytskyi Bridge Crossing. No additional restrictions are introduced for passenger cars and public transport on the Southern Bridge — traffic remains normal. The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarifies that detailed traffic schemes for each of the crossings will soon be published by the Patrol Police of Ukraine.

Context: Security and coordination with the city

The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes that the decision to introduce backup schemes was made against the background of additional security challenges characteristic of the current period. Law enforcement officers intend to inspect the approach roads to the bridges and the most congested road sections, and they also count on operational interaction with the Kyiv city authorities regarding traffic reorganization. Drivers are urged to plan their routes in advance, monitor official publications of the Patrol Police, and comply with the introduced restrictions. The photo shows one of the bridge crossings over the Dnipro in Kyiv during the autumn period; the frame captures heavy car traffic and the city skyline in the background.