An American consortium has proposed building a road tunnel under the Dnipro River in Kyiv, which could provide an alternative link between the capital’s right and left banks. This involves reviving a project originally developed between 2004 and 2008, with the involvement of private investment. The proposal came against the backdrop of Russian attacks on the capital’s bridges, though no decision has yet been made to commence construction. Experts also doubt that such a large-scale project can be completed in a short space of time.
- An American consortium has proposed building a road tunnel under the Dnipro River in Kyiv.
- The project involves connecting Halytska Square to the «Boryspilskaya» metro station.
- The estimated cost of the construction project is around 1.5 billion euros.
- Investors are considering a concession model involving the operation of the tunnel for 20 years.
- The three-month period applies to temporary crossings, not to the underground tunnel.
Where might the tunnel under the Dnipro run?
According to Depths, a project for the future transport tunnel was developed during the preparation of the Kyiv Master Plan in 2004–2008. The proposed route was intended to link Halytska Square with the area around the «Boryspilskaya» metro station, passing through the city centre and beneath the Dnipro riverbed.
The architect claims that the necessary documentation has been preserved in the archives, and that the American company has a specialised tunnelling rig to carry out the work.
Investors are proposing to use a public-private partnership model. Under this model, a private company would finance the construction and, once it is complete, would be granted the right to operate the tunnel and charge a toll for 20 years.
How much will the construction cost and when is it likely to be completed?
The cost of the project is estimated at approximately 1.5 billion euros, although there is no approved budget. The exact construction timetable, sources of funding and the terms of a possible concession agreement are also unknown.
Transport planning expert Dmytro Bespalov is sceptical about the prospects of implementing such a project whilst the war is ongoing. In his view, given limited budgetary resources, it is far more important to ensure the protection and rapid repair of existing bridges.
The construction of the tunnel will require detailed geological surveys, design work and complex engineering works. Therefore, the claim that it can be completed in a few months is not supported by the plans that have been made public.
Kyiv is preparing temporary crossings in case bridges are damaged
Apart from the tunnel project, the Ukrainian authorities are working on the creation of alternative crossings across the Dnipro. The Minister for Infrastructure Mykola Kalashnik had previously reported on plans to build earth-filled dams with pontoon structures.
It was for such temporary crossings that the official cited an estimated timeframe of up to three months. They are intended to ensure transport links between the two banks in the event of serious damage to the main bridges.
The Ministry is considering the tunnel under the Dnipro as a long-term alternative. At present, there is no official decision on its construction, no approved work schedule, and no announcement regarding the conclusion of an agreement with American investors.
