Long queue of over five hours waiting for examination
Heavy Traffic and Long Waiting Times at Crimean Bridge
Currently, the Crimean Bridge is experiencing severe traffic congestion, with long queues and significant waiting times for vehicles attempting to cross. As of August 7, 2025, over 2,120 cars are waiting to cross from the Taman (Kuban) side, with a waiting time of more than five hours, and about 1,450 cars on the Crimea side waiting for around four hours [3].
The congestion is due to two night and morning closures for traffic and manual inspection processes, which have contributed to the delays [3]. On August 4, the situation was similarly congested, with around 1,485 cars queued on the Kuban side and no queue on the Kerch side at that time, but waiting times were approximately four hours [1].
Security concerns, including recent drone attacks and threats near the bridge and surrounding areas, are partly responsible for the closures and inspections [5]. Drivers are advised to remain calm and follow instructions from security personnel due to these security events [5].
To ensure safe passage, a decision was made to increase the number of inspection points located before the bridge [6]. As of 14:00 Moscow time, there were over 2500 cars in line on both sides of the bridge, with the number increasing by 500 in the last hour [7].
In addition to the Crimean Bridge, traffic congestion has been observed at the ferry crossing across the Kerch Strait, with more than 4,000 cars currently lined up on both sides [8]. Queue increases before the Crimean Bridge, mainly during daytime, have been observed since the beginning of the summer tourist season [9].
To help travellers plan their journeys, analysts have determined the most favorable hours for crossing the Crimean Bridge from August 4 to 10 [10]. However, it's worth noting that traffic intensity towards Crimea has been high throughout Monday, until midday on Tuesday, and on Sunday as well [11].
For those planning to travel to Crimea, it's essential to be aware of the current traffic situation and plan accordingly, as waiting times can exceed six hours on the Taman side [12]. It's also crucial to follow instructions from security personnel and remain patient during these times of heightened security.
- Despite the unanticipated traffic congestion at the Crimean Bridge, which has led to long waiting times as high as six hours on the Taman side, individuals planning a lifestyle that involves travel to Crimea are advised to stay informed about the current traffic situation and plan their journeys accordingly.
- When traveling, one might encounter unexpected delays at locations such as the Crimean Bridge, where traffic congestion and long waiting times could be part of the experience, making it difficult to maintain a consistent lifestyle pace.
