Crimean Bridge

{{main article|Kerch railway bridge}}

Proposals to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait had been considered since the early 20th century.

During World War II the German Organisation Todt built a ropeway over the strait. Finished in June 1943, it had daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes. Construction of a combined road and railway bridge started in April 1943, but before it was finished, retreating German troops blew up the completed parts of the bridge and destroyed the ropeway.Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer, Chapter 19, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=XLSa_RIDHMUC&pg=PA270 270] (1969, English translation 1970)

In late 1944–early 1945, the Soviet Union constructed a {{convert|4.5|km|mi|frac=4|adj=on}} railway bridge across the strait. This bridge, not designed as permanent, was marred by design and construction errors, and was destroyed by flowing ice in February 1945.{{cite web |url=http://intersectionproject.eu/article/russia-europe/bridge-long-dream |title=The bridge-long dream |first=Petr |last=Bologov |work=intersectionproject.eu |date=27 February 2017 |access-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629075727/http://intersectionproject.eu/article/russia-europe/bridge-long-dream |archive-date=29 June 2017 |url-status=dead }} A proposal to repair it was quickly dismissed and the remnants of the bridge were dismantled, with permanent bridge designs envisaged instead.

In 1949 the Soviet government ordered the construction of a {{convert|5.969|km|miyd|adj=on}} two-tier combined road-rail bridge (two road lanes on the upper tier and two rail tracks on the lower tier) with 40 m clearance below, connecting Yeni-Kale with Chushka Spit, but in 1950 construction was halted and a ferry line was set up instead.{{Cite web|url=http://kerch.rusarchives.ru/predislovie|title=Предисловие {{!}} Мост через Керченский пролив|website=kerch.rusarchives.ru|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617121436/http://kerch.rusarchives.ru/predislovie|url-status=live}}

A different version of the fixed link, the Kerch waterworks project («Керченский гидроузел») was developed from the mid-1960s, proposing a system of dams and bridges across the strait. The project was not implemented due to a lack of funding{{Cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/93154|title=Макропроект в Крыму|date=22 October 1994|website=kommersant.ru|language=ru|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913111035/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/93154|url-status=live}} and the later collapse of the Soviet Union.{{Cite journal|url=http://www.vokrugsveta.ru/vs/article/4841/|script-title=ru:Проект для моря|journal=Vokrug sveta|date=1 December 1972|language=ru|access-date=19 February 2016|archive-date=1 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801164747/http://www.vokrugsveta.ru/vs/article/4841/|url-status=live}}{{Cite journal|url=http://zhurnalko.net/=nauka-i-tehnika/tehnika-molodezhi/1985-01--num34|script-title=ru:На стыке двух морей (33–36 pages)|journal=Tekhnika Molodezhi|date=January 1985|language=ru|access-date=19 February 2016|archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721083720/http://zhurnalko.net/=nauka-i-tehnika/tehnika-molodezhi/1985-01--num34|url-status=live}}

Although the idea of an international bridge linking Ukraine and Russia survived the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union, the two countries failed to finalise the project.{{Cite journal|url=http://www.kommersant.ru/doc.aspx?DocsID=216424|script-title=ru:Лужков присоединяет Крым к России|journal=Kommersant|date=8 April 1999|language=ru|access-date=25 April 2009|archive-date=8 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008150710/https://cstatic.weborama.fr/iframe/sync.html?key=ids_sync&wamid=3336&src=wamf.wildcard.js&ref=www.kommersant.ru&d.r=1665241630907&|url-status=live}} Former Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov was a vocal advocate for a highway bridge across the strait, expressing hope that it would bring the Crimean people closer to Russia, both economically and symbolically. Similar hopes were expressed by pro-Russian authorities in Crimea, who hoped that the bridge would contribute to either a "revival of the Silk Road" or to a multinational road along the Black Sea coast.{{efn|After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Russia continued to support the inclusion of the peninsula into that proposed road, claiming that such an option would be economically more feasible, but Ukraine, previously supportive of the project, now stridently opposed it.{{Cite news |url=https://www.gazeta.ru/auto/2016/06/02_a_8278643.shtml |title=Черноморское кольцо уперлось в Украину |access-date=10 December 2019 |language=ru |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616224905/https://www.gazeta.ru/auto/2016/06/02_a_8278643.shtml |url-status=live }}}}

Construction of the bridge was reconsidered by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in 2006, and the Transport Minister of Ukraine Mykola Rudkovsky stated that he expected the bridge to be a "net positive for Crimea" as it would allow "every tourist visiting Russian Caucasus to visit Crimea as well".{{Cite web|url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/articles/2006/11/17/4408751/|title=Кабмин рассматривает возможность соединения Украины с Россией|website=Украинская правда|language=ru|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=3 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903130145/https://www.pravda.com.ua/rus/articles/2006/11/17/4408751/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://podrobnosti.ua/368518-mezhdu-kerchju-i-rossiej-postrojat-most.html|title=Между Керчью и Россией построят мост|date=17 November 2006|website=podrobnosti|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090425/https://podrobnosti.ua/368518-mezhdu-kerchju-i-rossiej-postrojat-most.html|url-status=live}} The issue was discussed by prime ministers of both countries in 2008,{{Cite web|url=https://lenta.ru/news/2008/04/28/bridge2/|title=Россия и Украина договорились строить мост через Керченский пролив|website=Lenta.ru|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205145353/https://lenta.ru/news/2008/04/28/bridge2/|url-status=live}} and a Transport Strategy of Russia, adopted in that year, envisaged the construction of the Kerch Strait bridge as a high priority issue for the development of the Southern Federal District's transport infrastructure in the period 2016–2030, with the design ready by 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rzd.ru/doc/public/ru/accessible?STRUCTURE_ID=704&layer_id=5104&id=3771|title=2008 Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation|website=rzd.ru|language=ru|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195513/http://www.rzd.ru/doc/public/ru/accessible?STRUCTURE_ID=704&layer_id=5104&id=3771|url-status=dead}}

In 2010, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the Kharkiv Pact, an agreement to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait,[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/77597/ Azarov creates group for bridging the Kerch Strait] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123070412/http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/77597/ |date=23 November 2010 }}, Kyiv Post (9 August 2010) and Russia and Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding on the construction of the bridge on 26 November 2010.[http://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/91405/ Russia, Ukraine to construct bridge across Kerch Strait] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206224356/https://www.kyivpost.com/news/nation/detail/91405/ |date=6 February 2011 }}, Kyiv Post (26 November 2010) A 2011 study by the Ukrainian government announced preliminary preference for a route between Cape Fonar and Cape Maly Kut. Had that project been carried out, it would have meant construction of a {{Convert|10.92|km|miyd|abbr=on}} bridge link, with {{Convert|49|km|mi|frac=2|abbr=on}} of adjacent roads and {{Convert|24|km|mi|frac=2|abbr=on}} of adjacent railroads.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/183577/|title=Украина выбрала северный вариант моста через Керченский пролив|website=Kavkaz Uzel|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=7 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195304/https://www.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/183577/|url-status=live}}

The shelving of the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement in November 2013 led to increased interest in the construction of a bridge between Crimea and the Taman Peninsula of Russia,[http://www.vedomosti.ru/finance/news/22780631/most-k-sosedyam «Автодор» приступает к подготовке проекта моста через Керченский пролив Читайте далее] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219063649/http://www.vedomosti.ru/finance/news/22780631/most-k-sosedyam |date=19 December 2014 }} Vedomosti (14 February 2014) and an agreement on the construction of that bridge was signed as a part of the 17 December 2013 Ukrainian–Russian action plan. In late January 2014, the Ukrainian and Russian governments decided that a new joint Ukrainian–Russian company would be commissioned to handle the construction of the bridge, while the Russian state enterprise Russian Highways (commonly known as Avtodor) would become responsible for the bridge in the long term.

It was decided a special working group would determine the location and set the technical parameters. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine estimated that construction would take five years and cost between US$1.5 and $3 billion. In early February 2014, Avtodor was instructed by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia to work on a feasibility study to be published in 2015.

In the following months, as relations between Ukraine and Russia deteriorated, bilateral negotiations over the bridge collapsed,{{Cite news |url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/1010280 |agency=TASS |date=28 February 2014 |access-date=28 November 2019 |script-title=ru:Глава Минтранса: Россия приостановила переговоры с Украиной по проекту Керченского моста |trans-title=Head of the [Russian] Ministry of Transport: Russia ceased negotiations with Ukraine regarding the Kerch Strait Bridge project |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140811/http://tass.ru/ekonomika/1010280 |url-status=live }} yet Russia claimed that it expected the December 2013 deals to be honoured, and on 3 March prime minister Dmitry Medvedev signed a governmental decree to create a subsidiary of Avtodor to oversee the project.[https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2014/03/03/medvedev-signs-decree-creating-contractor-for-kerch-strait-bridge-project-a32624 Medvedev Signs Decree Creating Contractor for Kerch Strait Bridge Project] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918084520/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2014/03/03/medvedev-signs-decree-creating-contractor-for-kerch-strait-bridge-project-a32624 |date=18 September 2020 }} The Moscow Times (3 March 2014) A contest for the engineering survey of the bridge project was announced by that subsidiary on 18 March,{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/1057047|title=Объявлен конкурс на инженерные изыскания по строительству Керченского моста|website=ТАСС|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209185218/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/1057047|url-status=live}} but by that time the premise of the contest, which still referred to 2013 agreements,{{Cite web|url=https://zakupki.gov.ru/223/purchase/public/download/download.html?id=5135198|title=Request on proposals on the engineering design of the Kerch Strait Bridge, Contest Documentation, page 20|website=zakupki.gov.ru|access-date=7 December 2019}}{{Dead link|date=October 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} was already outdated. In April 2014, following the Russian annexation of Crimea the Ukrainian government gave Russia six months' notice of its withdrawal from the now-defunct bilateral Kerch Bridge agreement.{{cite news|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/752262|agency=ITAR–TASS|title=Ukraine withdraws from Kerch Strait bridge project with Russia|date=1 October 2014|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130100245/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/752262|url-status=live}}

{{see also|Russo-Ukrainian War|Political status of Crimea}}

File:Krymskij-most.png

File:Crimean Bridge in 2021 as viewed by a FPV drone.webm

Following the Russian annexation of Crimea in March 2014 amid a sharp deterioration in Ukrainian-Russian relations, Russia declared it would unilaterally build the Kerch Strait bridge to connect the Russian mainland with the annexed Ukrainian peninsula. The project was strategic, an instrumental part of Russian plans to integrate the newly annexed territory into Russia. The project aimed to shift Crimean dependence on Ukraine and reduce Kyiv's leverage,{{cite web|title=Dependence on Russia Is Likely to Leave Region's Economy in a Precarious State|author=David M. Herszenhorn|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/world/europe/crimea-economy.html|website=The New York Times|date=19 March 2014|access-date=26 July 2018|language=en|quote=The process is also fraught with risks, including the possibility that the Ukrainian government could move to further isolate the geographically remote peninsula by shutting vital transportation lines. There is no overland transportation link between Russia and Crimea, and building a bridge across the shortest waterway, near the Crimean city of Kerch, would take years and cost an estimated $3 billion to $5 billion|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914093814/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/world/europe/crimea-economy.html|url-status=live}} remove Moscow's reliance upon inadequate sea and air links for supplying the peninsula,{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/putin-opens-bridge-between-crimea-and-russian-mainland|title=Putin opens 12-mile bridge between Crimea and Russian mainland|author=Roth, Andrew|quote=The 12-mile (19km), $3.7bn (£2.7bn) bridge is Moscow's only direct road link to Crimea. Russia expects it will carry millions of cars and rail travellers and millions of tons of cargo each year. Previously, all car traffic passed over the Kerch strait by ferry or by passing through Ukraine|date=15 May 2018|work=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=26 July 2018|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922101629/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/putin-opens-bridge-between-crimea-and-russian-mainland|url-status=live}} and allow Russia to independently supply Crimea, whose economy has become dependent upon significant subsidies from Moscow. The bridge has a symbolic purpose: it is meant to show Russia's resolve to hold Crimea, and as a "physical" attachment of Crimea to Russian territory.

The announcement that Russia would build a road-rail bridge over the strait was made by the Russian President Vladimir Putin on 19 March 2014,{{cite news|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140319/188581383/Russia-to-Build-Bridge-to-Crimea.html|agency=RIA Novosti|title=Russia to Build Bridge to Crimea|date=19 March 2014|access-date=22 March 2014|archive-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025100721/http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140319/188581383/Russia-to-Build-Bridge-to-Crimea.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724368|agency=ITAR–TASS|title=Kerch Strait bridge to be built ahead of schedule – deputy minister|date=19 March 2014|access-date=22 March 2014|archive-date=30 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330082033/http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/724368|url-status=live}} just one day after Russia formally claimed Crimea. In January 2015, the contract for construction of the bridge was awarded to the SGM Group, whose owner Arkady Rotenberg (reportedly a close personal friend of Putin) was internationally sanctioned in response to the Russian military's involvement in Ukraine. SGM typically constructed pipelines and had no experience building bridges, according to BBC News.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31067977?ocid=socialflow_twitter|work=BBC News|title=Ukraine conflict: Putin ally to build bridge to Crimea|date=30 January 2015|access-date=30 January 2015|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914103152/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31067977?ocid=socialflow_twitter|url-status=live}}

The construction of the Kerch Bridge took place without Ukraine's consent. The Ukrainian government has actively condemned Russian construction of the bridge{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46345317 |title=Crimea: Who controls its territorial waters? |date=27 November 2018 |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 November 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219214057/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-46345317 |url-status=live }} as illegal{{Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/pdf?symbol=en%2FS%2F2018%2F474|title=Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the unlawful launch of the Kerch Strait bridge by the Russian Federation|website=undocs.org|accessdate=8 October 2022|archive-date=20 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220104943/https://undocs.org/pdf?symbol=en%2FS%2F2018%2F474|url-status=dead}} because Ukraine, "as a coastal state with regard to the Crimean Peninsula", did not give its consent to such construction,{{Cite news |url=https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/441850.html |agency=Interfax-Ukraine |access-date=28 November 2019 |language=ru |script-title=ru:Киев считает противоправным введение РФ запрета на судоходство через Керченский пролив |trans-title=Kyiv deems Russian restrictions on shipping in the Kerch Strait illegal |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914103837/https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/441850.html |url-status=live }} and called on Russia to demolish "those parts of that structure located within temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory".{{Cite web |url=http://ukraineun.org/en/press-center/325-statement-by-the-delegation-of-ukraine-at-the-28th-meeting-of-states-parties-to-the-unclos/ |title=Statement by the delegation of Ukraine at the 28th meeting of States Parties to the UNCLOS |website=Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations |language=en |access-date=28 November 2019 |date=12 June 2018 |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914105022/http://ukraineun.org/en/press-center/325-statement-by-the-delegation-of-ukraine-at-the-28th-meeting-of-states-parties-to-the-unclos/ |url-status=live }} Sanctions were introduced by the United States and the European Union against companies involved in the construction.{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-usa-sanctions-idUSKCN1175E0 |title=U.S. imposes sanctions on 'Putin's bridge' to Crimea |date=2 September 2016 |work=Reuters |access-date=28 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914105433/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-usa-sanctions-idUSKCN1175E0 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/07/31/ukraine-eu-adds-six-entities-involved-in-the-construction-of-the-kerch-bridge-connecting-the-illegally-annexed-crimea-to-russia-to-sanctions-list/ |title=Ukraine: EU adds six entities involved in the construction of the Kerch Bridge connecting the illegally annexed Crimea to Russia to sanctions list |access-date=28 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901045345/https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2018/07/31/ukraine-eu-adds-six-entities-involved-in-the-construction-of-the-kerch-bridge-connecting-the-illegally-annexed-crimea-to-russia-to-sanctions-list/ |url-status=live }}

Since December 2018 the United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly condemned the construction and opening of the bridge as "facilitating the further militarization of Crimea"{{Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/73/194|title=United Nations General Assembly Resolution 73/194 "Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov"|date=23 January 2019|website=United Nations Documents|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=1 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301161849/https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/73/194|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ga12108.doc.htm|title=General Assembly Adopts Resolution Urging Russian Federation to Withdraw Its Armed Forces from Crimea, Expressing Grave Concern about Rising Military Presence|date=17 December 2018|website=United Nations. Meetings Coverage and Press Releases|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=24 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424022052/https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/ga12108.doc.htm|url-status=live}} and "restricting the size of ships that can reach the Ukrainian ports on the Azov coast".{{Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/74/17|title=United Nations General Assembly Resolution 74/17 "Problem of the militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov"|date=13 December 2019|website=United Nations Documents|access-date=18 December 2019|archive-date=8 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808213245/https://undocs.org/en/A/RES/74/17|url-status=live}} Russia, on the other hand, asserted that it "shall not ask for anybody's permission to build transport infrastructure for the sake of the population of Russian regions".{{Cite news |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/05/16/russia-defends-opening-crimea-bridge-against-us-criticism-a61465 |title=Russia Defends Opening of Crimea Bridge Against U.S. Criticism |date=16 May 2018 |work=Moscow Times |access-date=28 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914110110/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/05/16/russia-defends-opening-crimea-bridge-against-us-criticism-a61465 |url-status=live }}

{{Further|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine planned and called for the "destruction" of the bridge,{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2022/05/06/ukraine-threatens-russias-vital-bridge-to-crimea/?sh=6d0ff6975d77|title=Ukraine Threatens Russia's Vital Bridge To Crimea|work=Forbes|last=Hambling|first=David|date=6 May 2022|access-date=20 June 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620121543/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2022/05/06/ukraine-threatens-russias-vital-bridge-to-crimea/?sh=6d0ff6975d77|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3182065/ukrainians-threaten-destroy-russian-bridge-crimea-target-number|title=Ukrainians threaten to destroy Russian bridge to Crimea 'target number one'|date=17 June 2022|access-date=20 June 2022|work=South China Morning Post|archive-date=21 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721060855/https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3182065/ukrainians-threaten-destroy-russian-bridge-crimea-target-number|url-status=live}} bringing criticism and talks of guaranteed protection of the bridge from Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin Press Secretary.{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/ukrainian-intelligence-says-it-obtained-detailed-specs-of-crimean-bridge-linking-peninsula-with-russia/|title=Ukrainian intelligence says it obtained detailed specs of Crimean Bridge linking peninsula with Russia|work=The Kyiv Independent|date=16 June 2022|access-date=20 June 2022|archive-date=8 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008150644/https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/ukrainian-intelligence-says-it-obtained-detailed-specs-of-crimean-bridge-linking-peninsula-with-russia|url-status=live}}

During the invasion there were two large explosions, in October 2022 and July 2023, on the bridge. According to the BBC a source in Ukraine's security service said that the 2023 explosion was caused by a Ukrainian attack with unmanned surface vessels (aquatic drones). Russia attributed the attacks to "Ukrainian terrorism". A Ukrainian defence official also said that Ukraine had carried out the October 2022 attack; the BBC was unable to verify the claims independently.{{cite news| last2=Cooney | first1=Antoinette|last1=Radford|first2=Christy | title=Ukraine war: Two dead after 'attack' on Crimea bridge | work=BBC News | date=17 July 2023 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66218869}}

In a speech to the Aspen Security Forum in July 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the bridge a legitimate military target for Ukraine that must be "neutralized" for "feeding the war with ammunition" and "militarizing the Crimean Peninsula."{{cite web |url= https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-the-crimean-bridge-must-be-neutralized/ |title= Zelensky: The Crimean Bridge must be neutralized |date= 22 July 2023 |first= Rachel |last= Amran |publisher= The Kyiv Independent |access-date= 22 July 2023}}

{{Main|2022 Crimean Bridge explosion}}

On 8 October 2022 a major explosion occurred on the bridge, causing portions of the Crimea-bound road segment to collapse and causing several oil tanker wagons on the rail section to catch fire. Vladimir Konstantinov, Chairman of the State Council of Crimea, attributed the explosion to a Ukrainian attack.{{cite news |title=Crimea bridge partly reopens after huge explosion – Russia |last1=Bachega |first1=Hugo |last2=Jackson |first2=Patrick |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63183404 |date=10 October 2022 |access-date=10 October 2022 |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008070140/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-63183404 |url-status=live }} Limited traffic resumed on the remaining lines shortly afterwards.{{cite web |url= https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/08/europe/crimea-bridge-explosion-intl-hnk |title= Massive blast cripples parts of Crimea-Russia bridge, in blow to Putin's war effort |date= 8 October 2022 |first1= Hannah |last1= Ritchie |first2= Tim |last2= Lister |first3= Josh |last3= Pennington |publisher= CNN |access-date= 8 October 2022 |archive-date= 8 October 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221008151156/https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/08/europe/crimea-bridge-explosion-intl-hnk |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63183409 |title=Crimean bridge: Excitement and fear in Ukraine after bridge blast |website=BBC News |last=Adams |first=Paul |date=8 October 2022 |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-date=8 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008123519/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63183409 |url-status=live }}

On 6 January 2023, TASS reported that the first two spans of the left side of the Crimean Bridge's automobile part leading from the peninsula would be installed that month, with two more to be installed in February, the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) said in a message.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/economy/1559225|title=First two spans of Crimean Bridge's automobile road to be installed in January|agency=TASS|accessdate=5 March 2023}}

The road bridge was fully opened again to traffic on 23 February 2023 according to an announcement from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.{{Cite web |last=AFP |date=23 February 2023 |title=Russia Fully Reopens Crimea Bridge to Cars on Eve of Anniversary |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/23/russia-fully-reopens-crimea-bridge-to-cars-on-eve-of-anniversary-a80319 |access-date=6 April 2023 |website=Moscow Times |language=en}} On 5 May the deputy prime minister also announced that the rail bridge had been fully reopened.{{Cite web |title=Crimean Bridge fully reopens to railway traffic following last year's explosion |url=https://meduza.io/en/news/2023/05/05/crimean-bridge-fully-reopens-to-railway-traffic-following-last-year-s-explosion |access-date=5 June 2023 |website=Meduza |language=en}}

{{Main|2023 Crimean Bridge explosion}}

In the early morning of 17 July 2023 two explosions hit the Crimean Bridge. At least one section of the road bridge collapsed entirely,{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/traffic-stopped-crimean-bridge-due-emergency-russian-backed-governor-2023-07-17/ |title=Traffic stopped on Crimean Bridge due to 'emergency' - Russian-backed governor |website=Reuters |date=17 July 2023 |access-date=17 July 2023}} and rail services were stopped. Two people, a couple who were in a car on the bridge, were killed, and their child injured.{{cite news |title= Crimea bridge attack: What happened, why is the bridge important? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/17/crimea-bridge-attack-what-happened-why-is-the-bridge-important |publisher= Al Jazeera |date=2023-07-17 |access-date=}} Ukrainian and Russian sources indicated that the explosion was caused by a Ukrainian attack with unmanned surface vessels (aquatic drones). The bridge was fully reopened on 14 October.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-14 |title=На Крымском мосту открыто движение автомобилей по всем четырем полосам |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/6280333 |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Коммерсантъ |language=ru}}

On 12 August, Russia's Defence Ministry said that Ukraine tried to strike the bridge with three S-200 missiles but were unsuccessful due to interception by air defences. Footage released online appeared to show the bridge covered in smoke.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2023 |title=Ukraine fires missiles at Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/12/ukraine-fires-missiles-at-kerch-bridge-connecting-crimea-to-russia |access-date=12 August 2023 |website=The Guardian}}{{cite web |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-destroys-20-ukrainian-drones-over-crimea-2023-08-12/ |title= Russia says it thwarts Ukrainian attacks on Crimean Bridge |date=2023-08-12 |publisher=Reuters}} The bridge was temporarily closed, then both road and rail traffic resumed at a limited level.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=Crimean bridge operating in limited mode |url=https://news.yahoo.com/crimean-bridge-operating-limited-mode-060247076.html |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}

{{Main|2025 Crimean Bridge explosion}}

In the early morning on 3 June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine detonated underwater explosives near the pillars supporting the bridge.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Svitlana Vlasova, Christian |date=2025-06-03 |title=Ukraine says it has struck bridge connecting Russia to Crimea with underwater explosives |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/03/europe/ukraine-crimea-bridge-russia-underwater-intl |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=CNN |language=en}} The bridge was temporarily closed, but reopened shortly after, and by evening traffic returned to normal.{{Cite web |title=Crimea bridge reopens after Ukraine says it carried out underwater explosion |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cr58e9yr2ezt |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

File:Russia stamp 2018 № 2403.jpg

File:RR5712-0050R.png

File:Kerch Strait Bridge, 2018-04-14.jpg at centre]]

After the annexation, Russian officials looked at various options for connecting Crimea to the Russian mainland, including a tunnel, but eventually settled on a bridge.

The bridge spans the Strait of Kerch between the Taman Peninsula of Krasnodar Krai and the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea.{{efn|Russian-annexed,{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/putin-opens-bridge-between-crimea-and-russian-mainland |title=Putin opens 12-mile bridge between Crimea and Russian mainland |last=Roth |first=Andrew |date=15 May 2018 |access-date=19 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914094243/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/putin-opens-bridge-between-crimea-and-russian-mainland |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-bridge/trucker-putin-opens-russia-bridge-link-with-annexed-crimea-idUSKCN1IG1TH |title=Trucker Putin opens Russia bridge link with annexed Crimea |last=Stolyarov |first=Gleb |work=U.S. |access-date=19 September 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921133417/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-bridge/trucker-putin-opens-russia-bridge-link-with-annexed-crimea-idUSKCN1IG1TH |url-status=live }} mostly internationally recognised as part of Ukraine.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/31/russia-bridge-link-crimea-moves-nearer-completion-ukraine|title=Russia's bridge link with Crimea moves nearer to completion|last=Walker|first=Shaun|date=31 August 2017|access-date=19 September 2018|language=en|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914115340/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/31/russia-bridge-link-crimea-moves-nearer-completion-ukraine|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/15/europe/russia-crimea-bridge-intl/index.html|title=Russia's bridge to Crimea: A metaphor for the Putin era|last=Hodge|first=Nathan|publisher=CNN|access-date=19 September 2018|quote=The United States and most other countries have refused to recognize the annexation of Crimea, and sanctions on Russia don't seem likely to be lifted anytime soon.|archive-date=13 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813103053/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/15/europe/russia-crimea-bridge-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}}}

The Russian government's draft resolution of 1 September 2014 required the bridge to have four lanes of vehicle traffic and a double-track railway.

An official video from October 2015 contained a CGI concept of the bridge design, annotated with various measurements. It showed a four-lane, flat deck highway bridge running parallel with the separate two-track railway. The main span over the Kerch Strait shipping channel would have a steel arch support, {{convert|227|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide with a {{convert|35|m|ft|abbr=on}} clearance above the water to allow ships to pass under. There would be three segments: from the Taman Peninsula to Tuzla Spit is {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}; across Tuzla Island is {{convert|6.5|km|mi|frac=4|abbr=on}}; and from Tuzla Island to the Crimean Peninsula is {{convert|5.5|km|mi|frac=4|abbr=on}} ({{convert|19|km|mi|frac=2|disp=or|abbr=on}} total).

The final concept was a major change from the initial project considered in late 2014, which had envisaged construction of two bridge links (parallel road and rail bridges between the Taman Peninsula and the Tuzla Spit and a double deck road-rail bridge between Tuzla Island and the Kerch Peninsula) and a causeway on Tuzla Spit.{{Cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2014/11/08/reg-kfo/teo.html|website=Rossiyskaya Gazeta|date=8 November 2014 |script-title=ru:Обоснование проекта Керченского моста будет готово к декабрю|trans-title=Feasibility study of the Kerch Bridge project will be ready by December|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914132214/https://rg.ru/2014/11/08/reg-kfo/teo.html|url-status=live}} This design was scrapped, the causeway being deemed too risky to rely on given the instability of the Tuzla Spit.{{Cite web|url=http://transportrussia.ru/item/3846-i-raspakhnutsya-v-krym-vorota.html|title=…И распахнутся в Крым ворота|website=transportrussia.ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=28 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028051832/http://transportrussia.ru/item/3846-i-raspakhnutsya-v-krym-vorota.html|url-status=live}}

The official reason for abandonment of a double deck bridge in favor of two continuous parallel structures was that the latter solution allows for less massive spans and for simultaneous construction of both bridges (rather than having to construct one level of bridge first before starting the second one), an important consideration given demands by the Russian government that road and rail links be operational quickly.{{Cite journal|last=Kolyushev|first=Igor|date=August 2018|script-title=ru: Технические особенности проектирования Крымского моста|trans-title=Technical aspects of the designing of the Crimean Bridge|url=http://www.techinform-press.ru/images/stories/pdf/roads71sp/71.pdf#page=46|journal=Дороги. Инновации в строительстве|language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725101539/http://www.techinform-press.ru/images/stories/pdf/roads71sp/71.pdf#page=46|url-status=live}} The "Tuzla route" was preferred over shorter variants (starting at Chushka Spit), in particular because doing otherwise would have interfered with the still operational ferry line,{{Cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/economics/19/05/2014/57041ceb9a794761c0ce9eb3|title=Мост через Керченский пролив можно построить только в двух местах |website=РБК |date=19 May 2014 |access-date=29 November 2019 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180612152858/https://www.rbc.ru/economics/19/05/2014/57041ceb9a794761c0ce9eb3 |url-status=live}} to the effect of worsening transport communications between Russia and Crimea.{{Cite news|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2820244|title=Это, по сути, половина дела|work=Коммерсантъ|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914135522/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/2820244|url-status=live}}

The bridge was built by Stroygazmontazh Ltd (SGM), which had never before built a major bridge. Because of the risk of sanctions, no international insurance company was willing to underwrite the potential $3 billion loss. It was insured instead by a small Crimean company.{{citation |url= https://www.engineering.com/story/europes-longest-bridge-spans-troubled-waters |first=Emily |last=Pollock |title=Europe's Longest Bridge Spans Troubled Waters |publisher=Engineering.com |date=6 July 2018 |access-date=18 July 2023}}

The geology of the Kerch Strait is difficult: it has a tectonic fault, and the bedrock is covered by a {{convert|197|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} layer of silt. About 70 mud volcanoes have been found in the area of the strait. More than 7,000 piles support the bridges; these piles have been driven up to {{convert|300|ft|m|-1|abbr=on|order=flip}} beneath the water surface. Some of the piles are at an angle to make the structure more stable during earthquakes. Some experts expressed doubts that the construction was safe, given the tectonic and sea current conditions in the strait.{{citation |url= https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/russia-s-crimea-bridge-could-collapse-anytime/ |last=Coynash |first=Halya |title=Russia's Crimea Bridge Could Collapse Anytime |publisher=Atlantic Council |date=10 January 2017 |access-date=18 July 2023}}

File:Putin opens Crimean Bridge.webm

Preliminary work on the bridge began in May 2015. More than 200 bombs{{cite web |url= http://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201507011341-7hr8.htm|title=200 бомб найдено в районе строительства моста через Керченский пролив|website=tvzvezda.ru|date=July 2015|access-date=13 December 2017 |archive-date=20 January 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200120050703/https://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201507011341-7hr8.htm|url-status=live}} and a few aeroplanes (including an Ilyushin Il-2{{cite web|url=https://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201509071243-7hv2.htm|title=Поисковики нашли Ил-2 с останками пилота при строительстве Керченского моста|website=tvzvezda.ru|date=7 September 2015|access-date=26 December 2019|archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226071050/https://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201509071243-7hv2.htm|url-status=live}} and a Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk){{cite web|url=https://www.gazeta.ru/social/2017/05/06/10660847.shtml|title=Kittyhawk подняли со дна|website=gazeta.ru|access-date=26 December 2019 |archive-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226071051/https://www.gazeta.ru/social/2017/05/06/10660847.shtml|url-status=live}} from the World War{{nbsp}}II era were found in the area during pre-construction clearance. Three temporary bridges were built to facilitate access (independent of weather and currents) for main construction.{{cite web|url=http://tass.ru/ekonomika/2221927|title=Три временных моста построят для доставки материалов на строительство Керченского перехода|website=Tass.ru|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122160721/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/2221927|url-status=live}} By October 2015, the first of the temporary bridges had been constructed, connecting Tuzla Island and Taman Peninsula.{{cite news|url=http://www.kp.ru/daily/26440.4/3310672/|title=Завершено строительство первого рабочего моста в Керченском проливе|date=1 October 2015|newspaper=Kuban.kp.ru -|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=28 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128182141/https://www.kp.ru/daily/26440.4/3310672/|url-status=live |last1=Гнатенко |first1=Артём }}

Main construction started in February 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/5202168|website=ТАСС|script-title=ru:Минтранс: строительство железнодорожной части Крымского моста идет по графику|trans-title=Ministry of Transportation: construction of the rail part of the Crimean Bridge is taking place according to schedule|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111164412/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/5202168|url-status=live}} The first piles were installed in early 2016,{{Cite web|url=https://kuban.rbc.ru/krasnodar/freenews/56e176d99a79470a55f76883|website=RBK|date=10 March 2016 |script-title=ru:Первые сваи: началось устройство фундаментов Керченского моста|trans-title=First pile: construction of the [deep] foundations of the Kerch Bridge started|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223214941/https://kuban.rbc.ru/krasnodar/freenews/56e176d99a79470a55f76883|url-status=live}} and in April 2016 the first pillar of the road bridge was constructed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/503274|website=Interfax.ru|language=ru|script-title=ru:Построена первая опора Керченского моста|trans-title=First pillar of the Kerch Bridge has been completed|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=31 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131160444/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/503274|url-status=live}} The foundations of the road bridge were completed in August 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://crimea.ria.ru/society/20170816/1111566970.html|date=16 August 2017|website=RIA Novosti Crimea|language=ru|script-title=ru:Строители погрузили все сваи в основание автодорожной части моста в Крым|trans-title=All piles are installed into the foundations of the road part of the bridge to Crimea|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223095027/https://crimea.ria.ru/society/20170816/1111566970.html|url-status=live}} The two shipping channel arches (over the Kerch–Yenikale Canal) were lifted into position in August and October that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrweekly.com/uwwp/the-kerch-strait-bridge-and-russias-a2-ad-zone-around-crimean-peninsula/|title=The Kerch Strait Bridge and Russia's A2/AD Zone around Crimean peninsula|last=Urcosta|first=Ridvan Bari|work=The Ukrainian Weekly|date=23 February 2018|access-date=20 June 2022|quote=The ongoing construction of the road-and-rail bridge reached a symbolic high point last year, when central arches were lifted into position in August and October, forcing the temporary closure of the narrow maritime channel to ship traffic...|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710225539/https://www.ukrweekly.com/uwwp/the-kerch-strait-bridge-and-russias-a2-ad-zone-around-crimean-peninsula/|url-status=live}}

In October 2017, National Guard of Russia Director Viktor Zolotov announced the formation of a new "maritime brigade", intended to protect the bridge as part of Russia's Southern Military District.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/972458|title=Russia's National Guard to form maritime brigade|agency=TASS|date=25 October 2017|access-date=26 August 2017|archive-date=3 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403200815/http://tass.com/defense/972458|url-status=live}} In December 2017 all road pillars and spans were completed,{{Cite news|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/590202|agency=Interfax|language=ru|script-title=ru:Завершено возведение всех опор автодорожной части моста через Керченский пролив|trans-title=All pillars of the road part of the Kerch Strait Bridge are built|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=27 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127230217/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/590202|url-status=live |date=4 December 2017 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.unian.info/politics/2323851-expert-points-to-vulnerability-of-kerch-bridge-from-military-perspective.html|title=Expert points to vulnerability of Kerch bridge from military perspective|website=unian.info|language=en|access-date=28 November 2019|quote=As UNIAN reported, on December 20, the occupiers completed the next stage of the Crimean bridge construction – assembling the span structures of the road section, having fully formed the bridge's sheet from Russia's Taman coast to the occupied Kerch.|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225090251/https://www.unian.info/politics/2323851-expert-points-to-vulnerability-of-kerch-bridge-from-military-perspective.html|url-status=live}} by April 2018 asphalt concrete was laid onto the road bridge,{{Cite web|url=http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=929498|date=26 April 2018|website=Interfax-Russia.ru|language=ru|script-title=ru:Асфальт уложили на автодорожной части моста через Керченский пролив|trans-title=Road part of the Kerch Strait Bridge has been covered with asphalt|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223025730/http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=929498|url-status=live}} and after some examination the road bridge was deemed ready for operation.{{Cite web|url=http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=929452|title=Автодорожная часть моста через Керченский пролив прошла приемочные обследования|date=26 April 2018|website=Interfax-Russia.ru|language=ru|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143135/http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=929452|url-status=live}}

File:Train Crimean Bridge 2019.webm

On 15 May 2018, the road bridge was officially unveiled. President Vladimir Putin led a convoy of trucks, driving one himself, across the bridge in an inauguration ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/putin-kerch-strait-bridge-crimea-ukraine-russia-1.4663923|title=Putin drives truck over new controversial bridge linking Russia to Crimea peninsula|date=15 May 2018|publisher=CBC News|access-date=20 June 2022|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620115502/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/putin-kerch-strait-bridge-crimea-ukraine-russia-1.4663923|url-status=live}} The bridge was opened for non-truck vehicle traffic on 16 May 2018 and for trucks on 1 October.

The construction of the rail bridge continued. In June 2018 pile installation was finished,{{Cite web|url=https://ria.ru/20180604/1521984076.html|date=4 June 2018|agency=RIA Novosti|language=ru|script-title=ru:Строители установили последнюю сваю железнодорожной части моста в Крым|trans-title=Final pile of the rail part of the bridge to Crimea has been installed|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=19 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619115430/https://ria.ru/20180604/1521984076.html|url-status=live}} and in July 2018 deployment of the rail tracks started.{{Cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2018/07/25/reg-ufo/na-krymskom-mostu-ulozhili-pervye-relsy.html|website=Rossiyskaya Gazeta|date=25 July 2018 |language=ru|script-title=ru:На Крымском мосту уложили первые рельсы|trans-title=First tracks have been laid onto the Crimean Bridge|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725122905/https://rg.ru/2018/07/25/reg-ufo/na-krymskom-mostu-ulozhili-pervye-relsy.html|url-status=live}}

In October 2018, the Russian Taman Road Administration reported that as one of the railway spans was being lowered into place, it tilted and fell into the sea. This occurred in the sea section between Tuzla Spit and Tuzla Island.{{citation |url=https://www.uawire.org/section-of-crimean-bridge-falls-into-sea |title=Section of Crimean Bridge falls into sea |date=5 October 2018 |via=UAWire |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619160950/https://www.uawire.org/section-of-crimean-bridge-falls-into-sea |url-status=live }}
{{citation |url=https://ria.ru/incidents/20181004/1529960515.html |title=Фрагмент пролета строящейся ж/д части Крымского моста съехал в воду |work=RIA Press |date=4 October 2018 |trans-title=Part of the span of the unfinished railway part of the Crimean bridge slid into the water |access-date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128164457/https://ria.ru/incidents/20181004/1529960515.html |url-status=live }}
{{citation |url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/5636714 |via=TASS |title=Фрагмент пролета железнодорожной части Крымского моста съехал в воду при монтаже |trans-title=Part of the span of the railway part of the Crimean bridge slid down into the water during installation |access-date=1 December 2018 |archive-date=4 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004115851/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/5636714 |url-status=live }}
{{citation|url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5bb60e669a794784eeccfe0d|title=Ротенберг рассказал об инциденте на железнодорожной части Крымского моста|trans-title=Rotenberg told about the incident on the railway part of the Crimean bridge|work=RBC|date=4 October 2018 |access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004154545/https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5bb60e669a794784eeccfe0d|url-status=live}}
{{citation|url=http://www.c-inform.info/comments/id/371|title=Многотонный пролет Крымского моста съехал в море: причины и последствия|trans-title=A span of the multi-span the Crimean bridge slid into the sea: causes and consequences|work=Kryminform|date=4 October 2018|access-date=1 December 2018|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808194254/http://www.c-inform.info/comments/id/371|url-status=live}}
{{Cite news|title=Строители подняли съехавший в воду пролет Крымского моста|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/634774|work=Interfax.ru|date=24 October 2018|access-date=24 October 2018|language=ru-RU|trans-title=Builders raise the span of the Crimean bridge that fell into the water|archive-date=24 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024152630/https://www.interfax.ru/russia/634774|url-status=live}} In November 2018 the installation of the railway pillars was completed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5be91d469a794707c7c78285|website=RBK|date=12 November 2018 |script-title=ru:Строители завершили возведение опор железнодорожной части Крымского моста|trans-title=Construction of the pillars of the railway part of the Crimean Bridge has been completed|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222175959/https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5be91d469a794707c7c78285|url-status=live}}

On 24 March 2019 the bridge's press centre reported completion of construction of railway spans,{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6252485|title=Строители собрали все пролеты железнодорожной части Крымского моста|website=ТАСС|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913123418/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6252485|url-status=live}} and on 18 July it reported completion of the bridge's rail tracks.{{Cite news |url=https://ria.ru/20190718/1556651419.html |title=Строители завершили укладку рельсов на Крымском мосту |date=18 July 2019 |access-date=20 July 2019 |language=ru |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913123724/https://ria.ru/20190718/1556651419.html |url-status=live }} In October 2019, the opening for freight trains was postponed until 2020, the official cause was a delay in the construction of the connecting railroad caused by the discovery of an ancient site on the Kerch Peninsula.{{Cite web|url=https://ru.krymr.com/a/pochemu-otlosjili-zapusk-jd-dvijeniya-po-kerchenskomu-mostu-krym/30211490.html|title="Рано или поздно моста не станет": почему в России опасаются пускать грузовые поезда в Крым|date=13 October 2019|website=Krym Realii|language=ru|trans-title="Sooner or later there will be no bridge": why in Russia they are afraid to let freight trains into Crimea|access-date=13 October 2019|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018094915/https://ru.krymr.com/a/pochemu-otlosjili-zapusk-jd-dvijeniya-po-kerchenskomu-mostu-krym/30211490.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4118047 |date=7 October 2019 |access-date=15 October 2019 |language=ru |script-title=ru:Минтранс отложил открытие движения грузовых поездов по Крымскому мосту |trans-title=Ministry of Transportation [of Russia] delayed opening of the Crimean Bridge for freight trains |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225003354/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4118047 |url-status=live }} Sale of train tickets across the Kerch Strait started in November 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/11/08/russia-launches-direct-moscow-crimea-train-route-a68093|title=Russia Launches Direct Crimea Train Ticket Sales|date=8 November 2019|website=Moscow Times|language=en|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913124421/https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/11/08/russia-launches-direct-moscow-crimea-train-route-a68093|url-status=live}} On 18 December 2019 the rail bridge was deemed ready for operation,{{Cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2019/12/18/reg-ufo/stroitelstvo-zheleznodorozhnoj-chasti-krymskogo-mosta-oficialno-zaversheno.html |title=Строительство железнодорожной части Крымского моста официально завершено |website=Российская газета |date=18 December 2019 |language=ru |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=10 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110050012/https://rg.ru/2019/12/18/reg-ufo/stroitelstvo-zheleznodorozhnoj-chasti-krymskogo-mosta-oficialno-zaversheno.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://ria.ru/20191218/1562543834.html |title=Строительство железнодорожной части Крымского моста закончено |date=18 December 2019 |website=РИА Новости |language=ru |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=6 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106221827/https://ria.ru/20191218/1562543834.html |url-status=live }} and President Putin formally opened the bridge on 23 December.[https://www.france24.com/en/20191223-putin-takes-first-train-across-crimea-bridge Putin takes first train across Crimea bridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913124812/https://www.france24.com/en/20191223-putin-takes-first-train-across-crimea-bridge |date=13 September 2021 }}, AFP, 23 December 2019. The first scheduled passenger train crossed the bridge on 25 December 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4206840|website=Kommersant|date=25 December 2019 |language=ru|script-title=ru:Первый поезд проехал по Крымскому мосту|trans-title=The first train drove along the Crimean Bridge|access-date=25 December 2019|archive-date=25 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225064853/https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4206840|url-status=live}} while the bridge was opened for freight trains on 30 June 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4398230|date=30 June 2020|website=Kommersant|language=ru|script-title=ru:По Крымскому мосту запустили железнодорожное грузовое движение|trans-title=Railway freight traffic launched on the Crimean Bridge|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913125519/https://www.kommersant.ru/gbox/index/929/0/77|url-status=live}}

The rail bridge design provides the ability to install an overhead railway electrification system "whenever such decision will be made", requiring no rebuilding of the bridge's structures. Pending electrification, the rail bridge is served by diesel locomotives.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6924722|title=Железная дорога Крымского моста построена с расчетом на дальнейшую электрификацию|website=ТАСС|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914082317/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6924722|url-status=live}}

Строительство Крымского моста (Росавтодор) 14.jpg|Construction of supports and installation of the first spans of the railway bridge from the side of Kerch. At the same time, the construction site is backfilled and the assembly of the bridge arches begins.

Строительство Крымского моста (октябрь 2015) · 2.jpg|Construction of the bridge pillars

Строительство Крымского моста (Росавтодор) 7.jpg|Asphalting the finished section of the road bridge from the side of Taman. On the opposite side, construction work is underway to connect the temporary ramp with the bridge.

Строительство Крымского моста (Росавтодор) 2.jpg|Concrete casting and asphalting of the overpass spans on Tuzla Island

Строительство Крымского моста (Росавтодор) 13.jpg|Completing the assembly of arches on the slipway and preparing them for transportation and installation on fairway supports

Монтаж железнодорожной арки Крымского моста (август 2017) · 1.jpg|The installation of the railway arch in August 2017

Строительство Крымского моста (Росавтодор) 1.jpg|The installed arches of the bridge and the process of sliding the spans of the road bridge to the arch

Opening of the Crimean bridge (2018-05-15) 16.jpg|The road bridge on 15 May 2018. The rail bridge – under construction at the time – is visible on the left.

File:Opening of the Crimean bridge (2018-05-15) 19.jpg Putin at the opening ceremony of the road section of the bridge, 15 May 2018]]

The road bridge, opened in 2018, quickly overtook the Kerch Strait ferry as a preferred route of communication between Crimea and Russia. In its first 12 hours of operation the bridge broke the traffic record of the ferry, which had been established in August 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/613000|title=Крымский мост за полдня работы побил абсолютный рекорд переправы|website=Interfax.ru|language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=20 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520193139/http://www.interfax.ru/russia/613000|url-status=live}} After the bridge was opened for trucks in October 2018, truck transportation via the ferry virtually ceased.{{Cite web|url=https://crimea.ria.ru/crimea_bridge/20181001/1115305935.html|title=Фуры ушли на мост: что ждет Керченскую паромную переправу|date=1 October 2018|website=РИА Новости Крым|language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419000413/https://crimea.ria.ru/crimea_bridge/20181001/1115305935.html|url-status=live}} After the first full year of operation (May 2018 – May 2019) the road bridge had served three times more traffic than the Kerch Strait ferry had served in the whole of 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazeta.ru/auto/news/2019/04/29/n_12920047.shtml|title=Почти пять миллионов машин уже пересекли Крымский мост|website=Газета.Ru|language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=26 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526211631/https://www.gazeta.ru/auto/news/2019/04/29/n_12920047.shtml|url-status=live}}

Since the road bridge is free of charge, in contrast to the ferry, it is claimed that users of the bridge saved more than 16 billion rubles.{{Cite web|url=http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/photo.asp?id=1029809|title=5 млн транспортных средств пересекли Крымский мост за год работы|date=15 May 2019|website=Interfax-Russia.ru|language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624214834/http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/photo.asp?id=1029809|url-status=live}} The bridge is said to have contributed to an increase of the number of tourists visiting the Crimea,{{Cite web|url=https://rg.ru/2019/01/15/reg-ufo/chto-izmenilos-v-krymu-s-otkrytiem-mosta.html|title=Что изменилось в Крыму с открытием моста|website=Российская газета|date=15 January 2019 |language=ru|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=6 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506071921/https://rg.ru/2019/01/15/reg-ufo/chto-izmenilos-v-krymu-s-otkrytiem-mosta.html|url-status=live}} with bridge traffic peaking in the summer months – on 5 August 2018 the bridge broke a single-day record for car traffic, with 32,000 vehicles crossing the span,{{cite web|url=https://crimea.ria.ru/20180813/1115008416.html|title=Вторые выходные подряд: Крымский мост побил новый рекорд суточного трафика|agency=RIA Novosti|language=ru|date=13 August 2018|access-date=18 June 2022|archive-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319001747/https://crimea.ria.ru/20180813/1115008416.html|url-status=live}} followed by over 33,000 vehicles on 12 August that year{{Cite web |url=http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=957091 |title=Крымский мост установил новый суточный рекорд трафика: больше 33 тыс. машин |date=13 August 2018 |website=Interfax-Russia.ru |language=ru |access-date=29 November 2019 |archive-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225090252/http://www.interfax-russia.ru/Crimea/main.asp?id=957091 |url-status=live }} and over 35,000 a year later.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5d5277179a79471d7a8dd91d|title=На Крымском мосту зафиксировали рекордный трафик|website=РБК|date=13 August 2019|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=19 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619192253/https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/5d5277179a79471d7a8dd91d/|url-status=live}} The long roadway with few diversions occasionally becomes congested, with long traffic queues.{{cite web |title=Fact Check-Image of traffic jam on Crimean bridge is nearly a month old; it does not show Russians fleeing the peninsula in August 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-crimea-bridge-idUSL1N2ZN0KZ |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811222136/https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-crimea-bridge-idUSL1N2ZN0KZ |archive-date=11 August 2022 |language=en |date=11 August 2022 |quote=the image used in the posts was taken as early as July 16, 2022 |url-status=live}}

A fall in the price of retail goods in Crimea, which was expected to occur after the opening of the road bridge, did not happen. According to the local Russian administration, this situation persists because large retail groups are not operating in Crimea due to either risk of being sanctioned or because they deem Crimea a "logistic dead end", although there were expectations that the opening of the rail bridge would eventually contribute to a decrease in price of certain goods.{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6238173|title=Аксенов: пуск железнодорожной части Крымского моста снизит цены в регионе на ряд товаров|website=ТАСС|access-date=29 November 2019|archive-date=8 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008150645/https://tass.ru/ekonomika/6238173|url-status=live}}

File:Kerch_Strait_incident.png over the passage between the Black and Azov seas]]

The Russian bridge crossed the sole access point for ships travelling to and from Ukraine's eastern port cities, including Mariupol and Berdiansk through which Ukraine exported steel and agricultural products. Following completion of the bridge various restrictions were imposed on Ukrainian shipping which affect their operating costs, which Ukraine and others alleged was part of a creeping hybrid blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea.{{citation |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-25/ukraine-complains-russia-uses-crimea-bridge-to-disrupt-shipping |title=Ukraine Complains Russia Is Using New Crimea Bridge to Disrupt Shipping |first1=Kateryna |last1=Choursina |date=25 July 2018 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402181355/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-25/ukraine-complains-russia-uses-crimea-bridge-to-disrupt-shipping |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://jamestown.org/program/russias-strategy-in-the-sea-of-azov-the-kerch-bridge-artificial-shipping-delays-and-continued-harm-to-ukraine/ |title=Russia's Strategy in the Sea of Azov: The Kerch Bridge, Artificial Shipping Delays and Continued Harm to Ukraine |publication-date=14 January 2021 |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-date=7 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507143914/https://jamestown.org/program/russias-strategy-in-the-sea-of-azov-the-kerch-bridge-artificial-shipping-delays-and-continued-harm-to-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}

These restrictions, including Russian inspections of ships, had risen sharply since the bridge opened in May 2018, some being forced to wait for three days before being allowed through. Additionally, due to the height limits of the main span of the bridge ({{convert|33|to|35|m|ft}} above sea level) the Ukrainian maritime authority said many ships are too big to pass safely under the bridge.{{citation |url=https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-accuses-russia-of-harassing-ukrainian-shipping |title=The U.S. Accuses Russia of Harassing Ukrainian Shipping |last1=Marex |date=30 August 2018 |publisher=The Maritime Executive |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506070419/https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-accuses-russia-of-harassing-ukrainian-shipping |url-status=live }}{{citation |url=http://maritimebulletin.net/2017/09/10/bulk-carrier-had-to-cut-off-mast-to-pass-under-illegal-kerch-strait-bridge/ |title=Bulk carrier had to cut off mast to pass under illegal Kerch Strait Bridge |first1=Andrey |last1=Klimenko |date=18 September 2018 |publisher=The Maritime Executive |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-date=23 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123200719/http://maritimebulletin.net/2017/09/10/bulk-carrier-had-to-cut-off-mast-to-pass-under-illegal-kerch-strait-bridge/ |url-status=live }} The bulk carrier Copan (deadweight tonnage 17,777 tons) solved this problem by cutting off the top of her mast. On 26 October 2018, The Globe and Mail, citing Ukrainian sources, reported that the bridge had reduced Ukrainian shipping from its Sea of Azov ports by about 25%.{{citation |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-putins-bridge-over-troubled-waters/ |title=Putin's bridge over troubled waters |work=The Globe and Mail |date=26 October 2018 |first1=Richard |last1=Lourie |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119135649/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-putins-bridge-over-troubled-waters/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2018, the area near the bridge became the site of the Kerch Strait incident, in which the Russian navy claimed that three Ukrainian vessels entered Russian territorial waters. Russian forces seized the vessels and arrested their crews. During this time, passage through the Strait was blocked by a large cargo ship, placed under the bridge to prevent passage of other craft.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46352367|title=Ukraine–Russia clash: MPs back martial law|date=27 November 2018|access-date=27 November 2018|work=BBC News|archive-date=20 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620161046/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-46352367|url-status=live}}{{citation |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-firing-on-its-ships-near-crimea-1.3709977 |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of firing on its ships near Crimea |date=25 November 2018 |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=6 October 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108123520/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-firing-on-its-ships-near-crimea-1.3709977 |url-status=live }} In response, Ukraine declared martial law in some regions of the country for 30 days.

Part of a large Greek terracotta statue was found at the Crimean Bridge construction site, during underwater digging near the Ak-Burun Cape. According to archaeologists, this is a unique finding, since it is the first of its kind found in the northern Black Sea area.{{citation |url=https://tass.com/society/936787 |title=Ancient Greek artifact unearthed at Crimean bridge construction site |date=22 March 2017 |via=TASS |access-date=22 March 2017 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620161046/https://tass.com/society/936787 |url-status=live }}

File:Крымский мост вечером с подсветкой.jpg|The Crimean Bridge at night

File:Крымский мост (Росавтодор) 1.jpg|Traffic on the Crimean Bridge, view in direction of Kerch

File:ЖД Крымский мост.jpg|Train crossing the Crimean Bridge

File:Крымский мост (Росавтодор) 6.jpg|The Crimean Bridge in May 2020. The infrastructure of the Port of Taman is visible in the background.

File:Crimea Bridge.jpg|A ship passing under the Crimean Bridge

File:Арки Крымского моста 21 декабря 2019 года.jpg|Aerial view of the Crimean Bridge

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Cite news |last1=MacFarquhar |first1=Neil |last2=Nechepurenko |first2=Ivan |title=Putin's Bridge to Crimea May Carry More Symbolism Than Traffic |work=The New York Times |date=11 November 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/11/world/europe/vladimir-putin-russia-crimea-bridge.html |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=14 November 2017 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109072918/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/11/world/europe/vladimir-putin-russia-crimea-bridge.html |url-status=live }}

{{refend}}

{{commons}}

{{Wikinews|4.5-kilometre bridge to link Crimea with Russia}}

• [https://twitter.com/Liveuamap/status/1578635882701242369/video/2 Security cam video of bridge explosion, 8 October 2022].

{{S-start}}

{{S-ach|rec}}

{{S-bef|before=Vasco da Gama Bridge}}

{{S-ttl|title=Europe's longest bridge|years=2018–present}}

{{S-aft|rows=4|after=Incumbent}}

{{S-bef|before=South overpass of the
Western High-Speed Diameter}}

{{S-ttl|title=Russia's longest bridge|years=2018–present¹}}

{{S-bef|before=Øresund Bridge}}

{{S-ttl|title=Europe's longest railway bridge|years=2019–present}}

{{S-bef|before=Yuribey Bridge}}

{{S-ttl|title=Russia's longest railway bridge|years=2019–present}}

{{s-ref|Longest bridge built by Russia, but whether longest in Russia depends on one's stance in the Crimean dispute.}}

{{2014 Crimean crisis}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2018 establishments in Russia

Category:2018 establishments in Ukraine

Category:2019 establishments in Russia

Category:2019 establishments in Ukraine

Category:Bridges completed in 2018

Category:Bridges completed in 2019

Category:Buildings and structures in Kerch

Category:Buildings and structures in Krasnodar Krai

Category:Cross-sea bridges in Europe

Category:Kerch Strait

Category:Rail transport in Krasnodar Krai

Category:Railway bridges in Russia

Category:Railway bridges in Ukraine

Category:Road bridges in Russia

Category:Road bridges in Ukraine

Category:Russia–Ukraine border crossings

Category:Transport in Crimea

Category:Transport in Krasnodar Krai