Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced the opening of traffic on the second railway line of the Crimean bridge, sharing the news through his telegraph channel. He noted that the work of the past months had culminated in a significant milestone for the rail segment, with trains now able to traverse the second line as well. Khusnullin attributed the achievement to the tireless efforts of the teams involved and highlighted that the railway traffic is running ahead of the original schedule, reinforcing the sense of progress that has characterized the project as a whole.
In his messages, Khusnullin emphasized that the new railway line adds capacity and resilience to the bridge, supporting not only current transportation needs but also future growth. He explained that the decision to launch the second line ahead of the planned timetable reflects a continued commitment to efficiency and safety, and it marks another step in the broader plan to complete the entire bridge system in a coordinated and timely manner.
There was prior communication from the former president of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, who indicated that the railway portion of the Crimean bridge could be ready for opening by July. He also stated that all work on restoring the highway portion had been completed ahead of schedule, which leaves room for cautious optimism that the railway section might also be brought online sooner than initially projected. His remarks underscored a constructive assessment of the rehabilitation process and a belief in timely completion across all parts of the project.
Earlier updates from Khusnullin indicated that the installation of the first span of the railway section had been successfully completed, marking a foundational milestone for the rail infrastructure. This progress laid the groundwork for the subsequent installation of additional spans and the gradual integration of the railway system with the overall bridge design. Each completed span represented a crucial link in the sequence of construction, signaling advancing capabilities to handle rail traffic in tandem with the ongoing highway restoration.
Historical context remains essential in understanding the timeline of events surrounding the Crimean bridge. On October 8, 2022, an explosion occurred on the bridge, leading to a fuel tank fire along the railway portion. The incident triggered the collapse of two spans and resulted in the loss of five lives. The repercussions of that day prompted comprehensive evaluations and a renewed focus on safety, security, and structural integrity as the project progressed toward reconstruction and modernization.
In summary, the sustained communications from government officials and the evolving progress on both the highway and railway components reflect a continuous effort to restore critical infrastructure in the region. The emphasis on early completions and the coordinated deployment of the rail and road segments demonstrates a strategic approach aimed at expanding capacity, enhancing safety, and accelerating the return of robust transportation links for residents and travelers alike.