Rebuilding Ukraine: 300-meter bridge over Desna River in Chernihiv region fully restored after war damage

Photo: Illustrative / Telegram channel of Viacheslav Chaus

Alvina Kaminska

In the Chernihiv region, one of the three bridges over the Desna River, which was destroyed during the hostilities at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, was rebuilt.

The State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine reported that.

What is the problem?

As mentioned, at the start of the large-scale invasion, the Chernihiv region endured major damage to its infrastructure, with over 25 bridges being destroyed.

After the region's liberation, the logistical situation remained critical—many settlements were cut off from the main communication routes and could only be reached by detours.

During periods when there was no communication, the residents had to rely on a winch to transport food and essentials across the river. Even using pontoons was sometimes tricky, particularly during the icy winter months, which made traveling more challenging.

What is the solution?

The department stressed that restoring transportation connections in northern Ukraine is crucial for ensuring stability in the region.

How does it work?

According to the restoration agency, one recently renovated bridge spans 300 meters across the Desna River. This bridge is one of three that cross the river.

During the repairs:

• the missing section of the bridge structure was reconstructed,

• and the remaining portion of the bridge was renovated.

^{Photo: State Agency for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine}

For reference:

It should be noted that the longest bridge across the Desna River, stretching 628 meters long, is scheduled to be constructed in the Chernihiv region using one-of-a-kind techniques. The 106-meter beams spanning the river confluence were crafted from the final pre-war batch of steel sourced from the "Azovstal" metallurgical plant in Mariupol.

Furthermore, the reconstruction of the bridge across the Trubyzh River on the T–10–18 Boryspil – Berezan – Yahotyn road in the Kyiv Region has been completed after being destroyed in March 2022.

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