In Serpukhov, along the A-108 highway, concerns have grown after cracks were observed in a bearing beam close to a recently built bridge. A video circulating on the telegraph channel Accident and Emergency in Moscow and the Moscow Region captures the moment when a crack appears in a transverse direction on one of the load-bearing longitudinal steel beams. The clip also includes the audible whoosh of traffic passing overhead, suggesting the defect was detected near the exit area serving Sharapova Okhota village.
The bridge, described by local outlets as a newer structure, has attracted attention because investigators suspect design and construction factors may have contributed to the flaw. Observers note that the crack could compromise the overpass’s structural integrity, at least in the affected span, prompting authorities to pause traffic flow for safety assessments. The State Traffic Inspectorate closed the overpass at the 340th kilometer of the A-108 highway on May 20, triggering detours for drivers. A temporary bypass route has been established, with authorities directing traffic along a parallel path that runs near a railway corridor toward Kursk. The situation has also been reflected by mapping services such as Yandex.Maps, which show the revised route for motorists.
Earlier updates indicated that the incident extended public safety concerns beyond Serpukhov. Reports mention a separate event at a gas station in Irkutsk involving a scoreboard displaying gasoline prices, which has drawn attention in local media circles as part of broader coverage on fuel price reporting and incident cascades. While this latter detail may seem unrelated to the bridge issue, it underscores the breadth of incidents that can surface in ongoing public safety discussions. It remains essential for officials to verify all findings with structural engineers and to communicate clear guidance to drivers who rely on the A-108 corridor for regional travel. The current status of the bridge and any interim safety measures will be issued by the State Traffic Inspectorate as investigations progress. (Citation: Accident and Emergency in Moscow and the Moscow Region) Also, local authorities are expected to provide updates through official channels as the review unfolds.