Extensive Traffic Congestion Persists for Three Hours at Crimea's Main Gate
The Crimean Bridge, a strategic link between Crimea and mainland Russia, has been experiencing long wait times for entry in early August 2025. This congestion is primarily due to large queues of vehicles undergoing security inspections and traffic control measures at the bridge's inspection points.
On August 2-3, lines from the Taman side reached an astounding 1,500 vehicles, with wait times exceeding three to four hours. Queues from the Kerch side were smaller, but still present, with around 30–50 cars. These delays were caused by manual inspections and possible security incidents or precautionary measures, as a result of past sabotage attacks and explosions damaging the bridge infrastructure since 2022 [1][2].
Current records show a peak queue of over 4,000 cars waiting late on August 3, with numbers declining to about 1,830 cars by the evening of August 4 [5]. The maximum reported waiting time can reach about four hours or more during peak congestion [2].
The increased wait times are driven by heavy traffic demand and intensified security inspections in response to past sabotage events. Other contributing factors include traffic stops and partial bridge halts, as well as the high civilian demand to cross the bridge [3].
To alleviate the situation, measures such as enhanced inspection processes, better traffic flow management, and potentially the addition of extra lanes or checkpoints, are under consideration or implementation [5]. These efforts have shown some success in reducing queue length, but congestion remains notable during busy periods.
In a concerning development, tourists have reported being approached by scammers in the lines for the Crimean Bridge, asking for money for gas and repairs. These scammers have even been known to threaten to scratch cars if refused [6]. Upon the arrival of traffic police, these individuals have been fleeing the area [7].
Despite the challenges, it's important to note that as of the latest update, there was no queue for exiting the Crimean Bridge [8]. The operational headquarters' Telegram channel has provided updates on the wait times for entering the Crimean Bridge from the mainland [9].
In the past, the Crimean Bridge had a 35-kilometer traffic jam, setting a new record [4]. Private individuals were previously allowed to rent parking spaces along the roadsides by Crimean authorities [10]. However, these issues persist, making the journey across the Crimean Bridge an adventure in patience and vigilance.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/crimean-bridge-traffic-jam-causes-long-delays-2025-08-02/ [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58126996 [3] https://www.rt.com/russia/559993-crimea-bridge-security-measures/ [4] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/08/11/crimean-bridge-traffic-jam-hits-record-35-kilometers-a74656 [5] https://www.rt.com/russia/561828-crimean-bridge-traffic-queue-shrinks/ [6] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/05/scammers-approach-tourists-at-crimean-bridge-lines-a77546 [7] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/06/traffic-police-arrive-to-crimean-bridge-to-disperse-scammers-a77579 [8] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/06/no-queue-for-exiting-crimean-bridge-a77580 [9] https://t.me/crimeabridge_updates [10] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/08/11/crimean-bridge-traffic-jam-hits-record-35-kilometers-a74656
1.Despite the ongoing congestion on the Crimean Bridge, tourists are reminded to be cautious of scammers who may target them while waiting in the lines for travel.2. As the demand for crossing the Crimean Bridge continues to be high, some travelers are adapting their lifestyles, considering the long wait times associated with their chosen vacation destination.
