Toll roads in Ukraine

Ukraine is on the verge of introducing the first toll roads. This is a significant event in the development of the country's transport infrastructure. According to plans, the first toll road in Ukraine will not be the only one. It is planned to create several highways at once, with a total cost of projects with a budget of 6 billion dollars. Among the proposed routes — Krakow-Lviv-Brody-Rivne and Stryi-Mukachevo. These projects are in the stage of technical and economic substantiation in order to determine their practical and economic feasibility.

The Krakovets-Lviv-Brody-Rivne route, initiated by the "Automagistral-Yug" company, has a length of over 200 km and is considered as an alternative to the Kyiv-Chop and M-10 Lviv-Krakowets roads. On the other hand, the Stryi-Mukacheve road is designed to provide more efficient travel from Lviv to Zakarpattia Oblast. It is expected that the new route will significantly reduce travel time, increase the connectivity and efficiency of transportation across Ukraine.

The decision on the introduction of self-paid drivers on the toll roads of Ukraine will be made after the completion of their feasibility study. The government of the country, in particular Ukravtodor, in coordination with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance, will make the final decision based on the results of the research. This initiative is a strategic step towards the modernization of Ukraine's road infrastructure and improvement of transport connections within the country.

Toll roads in Ukraine: plans and prospects

In Ukraine, the construction of the first highway is starting. And this is a notable event in the development of transport infrastructure. The initiator of the project is the State Highway Agency of Ukraine "Ukravtodor". jointly with the private company "Automagistral-Pivden". This public-private partnership corresponds to the adopted modernization strategy.

The length of the first highway — 280 km along the Krakow route – Lviv – Fords – Rivne. The construction of this route began in 2023. An important feature of the road — speed limit of up to 130 km/h, which ensures faster and more efficient movement. The added benefit of having a free alternative route close by provides a choice for travellers.

The fare is 2.6 hryvnias per kilometer, or about 8 euro cents. Such a pricing strategy should ensure a balance between affordability, the need to finance the repair of canvases, and future infrastructure projects.

The project is planned to be implemented in three stages, with the first stage starting already this year. This strategic initiative is not limited to the construction of a new canvas. It is a broader vision of expanding Ukraine's ties with the European Union. It is expected that the toll road, by removing the transport corridor from populated areas, will facilitate communication with neighboring countries and strengthen economic ties.

However, the terms of the construction implementation, as well as the features of the highway, such as safety measures, rest areas, technological integration, have not yet been specified. In addition, the final decision on the investor is pending the adoption of the law on concession.

Once operational, this first route will set a precedent in the approach to infrastructure development and public-private partnerships in the state's transport sector. The plan reflects:

• aspiration to develop the country's transport network;
• stimulating economic growth;
• improving the quality of travel in Ukraine.

Which countries have toll roads?

In many countries of the world, toll highways are used to finance road repairs, infrastructure projects, and traffic management. Here are some vivid examples:

1. The United States has a long history of self-funded highway construction that began in the 19th century. Today, many states operate toll roads, bridges and tunnels, including such famous ones as the Golden Gate Bridge. in California and the New Jersey Tourpike.
2. French highways for cash, known as autoroutes, are widespread, especially on routes connecting major cities. They are known for their high quality. It is the main choice for long distance travel in France.
3. Italian "highways" — they are major highways that are well maintained and cover the entire territory of the country, making them vital for both local and international travel.
4. Spain has a mix of toll and free motorways, with the former generally providing faster, less congested traffic. They are especially common in regions with a large number of tourists.
5. The number of such highways in Portugal is increasing, and electronic toll collection systems are widely used. These roads connect key cities and regions of the country.
6. Although Germany is famous for its network of "autobahns", on some sections of which there are no speed limits, passage through some tunnels and bridges is paid for.
7. In such big cities as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane there are the same routes. They often use modern electronic payment collection systems.
8. China has one of the world's largest highway networks for money, which has played an important role in the rapid development of the country's infrastructure.
9. Japanese expressways — these are mainly toll roads, known for high standards of service and safety.

Such highways play the most important role in maintaining the quality of routes, traffic management, financing infrastructure development, making a significant contribution to the development of the country's transport network.

Why toll roads are needed

Such decisions are necessary for several reasons. They are a source of funding for maintenance and improvement of highways, ensuring their high quality and safety. Toll revenue helps build new roads, reducing congestion on existing routes. In addition, they make it possible to reduce travel time and increase the reliability of trips. This is especially important for long-distance drivers, commercial companies. In addition, tolls can be used to manage traffic flows, which reduces the impact on the environment.