Travelers planning a trip to Poland through one of the most popular border crossings should be prepared for changes in the schedule. Starting Monday, June 15, new rules for the passage of buses will be introduced at the "Shehyni-Medika" checkpoint due to repair work.
According to the press service of the Western Regional Directorate of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, repair work will begin directly on the Polish side of the crossing. The work zone covers the lanes intended for processing passenger traffic leaving Ukraine.
Compromise instead of a complete stop
The situation with repairs at the border developed rapidly. Earlier, the Polish side announced its intention to temporarily completely stop processing buses for entry into Poland through this crossing. Given that "Shehyni-Medika" is one of the busiest checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Polish route, such a decision threatened serious disruptions during the summer tourist season.
However, after negotiations between the relevant authorities of the two countries, with the assistance of the Embassy of Ukraine in Poland, a compromise was found. The parties agreed that the operation of the checkpoint would not be stopped completely. Bus processing will continue, but in a modified mode.
New throughput capacity
The key change will be a sharp reduction in the throughput capacity of the checkpoint. According to the Polish side, under repair conditions, the estimated limit will be up to 8 buses within 12 hours. This means that the processing and passage of transport will be carried out with significant delays.
Experts and border guards warn: a reduction in throughput capacity will inevitably lead to an increase in waiting times in queues. The "Shehyni-Medika" checkpoint daily handles a significant volume of international transport, and even a partial restriction of lane operation will create a load on the infrastructure.
Recommendations for drivers and passengers
Specialists of the State Border Guard Service strongly recommend that all travelers take this information into account when planning routes. In connection with the predicted delays, border guards advise considering the possibility of using alternative checkpoints on the border with Poland.
Repair work will last throughout the summer period, when passenger traffic is traditionally at its peak. Although communication will not be interrupted, the organization of traffic will require more patience and time from drivers and passengers to cross the border.