Kyiv Grinds to a Halt as Russian Strikes Shut Bridges, Force People to Walk

Traffic across Kyiv was brought to a near standstill on Friday morning, Oct. 2, after Russian strikes forced authorities to close or restrict several key bridges across the Dnipro River. The Southern Bridge was completely closed in both directions, while traffic was restricted on the Paton and Metro bridges, disrupting the main routes between Kyiv’s left and right banks, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The closures triggered massive traffic jams across the capital, with severe congestion reported in Pechersk, along Dniprovska Embankment and on routes connecting the two banks. Some Kyiv residents abandoned their vehicles and continued on foot, local media reported. Photos and videos from Kyiv showed people walking through the city as public transport struggled to cope with the disruption. Dozens of passengers were left waiting at bus stops, while public transport services operated with significant delays, according to Kyiv Post correspondents, based in the capital. Taxi fares also surged as demand for alternative transport jumped. Local reports said some rides from the left bank to the right bank cost more than Hr 1,000 ($22). The Kyiv City Military Administration changed several bus and trolleybus routes. Buses 22 and 91 were diverted via Darnytsia Bridge, while routes 51, 55, 115 and 118-D were also rerouted through Darnytsia Bridge. Bus 1-M was redirected via Podilskyi Bridge. Other Topics of Interest Russian Drone Hits Kyiv’s Southern Bridge for Third Time in One Day, Damaging Support The latest strike damaged the roadway and metro barrier, forcing authorities to halt transport across the bridge again. Despite the road closures, Kyiv City Express continued running between the two banks on schedule, providing one of the few functioning alternatives for commuters crossing the Dnipro. The disruption followed another Russian strike on Kyiv’s Southern Bridge overnight. Russian drones had already struck the bridge three times on Oct. 1, damaging its roadway, supports, guardrails and concrete barriers protecting metro infrastructure. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.