The Crimean Transport Minister, Nikolai Lukashenko, reported on Saturday that the vehicle queue at the Krymsky Bridge originates from the Krasnodar Territory and stretches about 5 kilometers. He explained that during routine monitoring of inspection operations at the Krymsky Bridge, traffic backed up for several kilometers from the Krasnodar region toward the bridge, and the wait time for vehicles awaiting inspection exceeded two hours. Lukashenko noted that inspectors at the checkpoints were increased in number and that tighter supervision was put in place to boost throughput at the inspection point. He also apologized to residents for the inconvenience caused by these delays.
Earlier, officials from the Rostov region indicated that the congestion on the M-4 Don highway in that area was driven by a convoy of military equipment moving through the route. The convoy was associated with the private military company known as Wagner, adding to the traffic disruption seen in the corridor that connects multiple major routes with the Crimean peninsula.
The ongoing routine checks and the management of the inspection lines are part of broader efforts to ensure safety and orderly passage for travelers crossing the bridge. Public communications emphasized that the congestion is temporary and linked to heightened inspection activity, with authorities promising to adjust staffing levels and processing speed as needed. Community members and commuters were urged to plan for longer travel times and to follow official updates for the latest information regarding bridge access and inspection schedules. The situation reflects the delicate balance authorities seek between security oversight, efficient transportation flows, and minimizing disruption for citizens traveling through this strategic corridor.