The first toll road may appear in Ukraine: what is known?

Ukraine is preparing to take the first step towards creating a network of modern expressways, and the road connecting Kovel to the Polish border could be the start. Find out what is already known about the project

Electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe

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Ukraine is preparing for the appearance of the first toll highway. The project, which is currently being developed by the Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure, will concern the Kovel section - the Yagodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint on the border with Poland, because this particular route is one of the busiest routes in the western region and plays a key role in freight and passenger transportation.

Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach gave details of the initiative. We tell you everything that is currently known about the possible appearance of the first toll highway in Ukraine in this article.

In most EU countries, a special e-vignette is required to travel on highways - a digital document confirming payment of the road fee. Read here what a road vignette is, how it works, in which countries it is needed and how to apply for it online.

What is special about the project to build the first toll highway in Ukraine and why is it important?

Currently, there is no toll road in Ukraine. The launch of the first such highway could become a pilot case that will determine the further development of road infrastructure and standards of interaction between the state and private investors.

Due to the lack of state funding, the construction is proposed to be implemented in the format of a public-private partnership or concession. In this case, a private company will invest in the construction and will receive the right to maintain the road and charge a toll.

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What is planned to be done on the Kovel - “Yagodyn-Dorohusk” route?

As part of the project, the following is planned:

1. Expansion of the route to four lanes, which will increase capacity and speed up traffic.

2. Complete reconstruction and renewal of the road surface - this will increase safety, comfort and reduce vehicle wear.

3. Integration of the route into the European road network to ensure convenient transit to Poland and other EU countries.

4. Focus on freight and passenger transport, which should reduce waiting times, reduce queues and speed up border crossing.

Why was Yagodyn chosen to launch the first toll road in Ukraine?

This checkpoint is one of the busiest on the Ukrainian-Polish border. High traffic intensity allows you to form a financial model in which the project will be repaid through toll payments. It is such areas that are most attractive to private investors.

Further plans of the Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure

In addition to the Kovel-Yagodyn highway, the government is already considering other directions where the construction of toll highways is possible. The priority is border approaches and routes with high traffic.

In parallel, the agency is preparing a reform of technical control of transport and tightening the rules for cars, in particular from the USA, which often do not comply with Ukrainian DSTU.

How will the appearance of the first toll road in Ukraine affect drivers?

The appearance of the first toll road is not only about paying at the entrance, as a result of the reconstruction, drivers should expect:

- A faster and more comfortable route to the EU.

- Fewer queues during peak periods.

- New standards of road surface quality.

- A potential start of large-scale modernization of Ukrainian highways

If the project is successful, it can become a model for the development of other highways in Ukraine.

The Kovel-Yagodyn toll highway can be a historic start of a new road era in Ukraine. If the state and business can effectively implement the partnership, the country will receive a modern European-level highway, and in the future - an entire network of expressways.

It is worth noting that in most EU countries, an e-vignette is required to travel on highways - a digital document confirming payment of the toll. Without it, the driver may face fines, and the trip can easily turn into a problematic experience.

To avoid this, apply for a vignette in advance - online, in a few minutes. You can buy an e-vignette to Europe at Visit Ukraine:

- fast online application

- official vignettes for most EU countries

- instant receipt in digital format

- no need to stand in queues or look for points of sale before the border

Apply for a vignette before your trip and travel calmly, without fines and risks!

Detailed instructions on how to apply for an e-vignette for travel in Europe in a few clicks in this article.

We remind you! In 2025, updated rules for mandatory technical inspection will come into effect in Ukraine, which have increased transparency and simplified the procedure. We have already told you who is required to undergo a technical inspection, what parameters are checked and where to find official inspection points.

Photo - Freepik

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