On September 10, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) representatives and the Service for Restoration and Infrastructure Development in Odesa Oblast met to discuss collaborative initiatives to enhance the border crossing infrastructure. Cameron Berkuti, USAID ERA Border Crossing Point Director, and Andrii Donchenko, Head of the Service for Restoration in Odesa Oblast, attended the meeting. 

Discussions centered on the BCPs’ improvements in the Odesa Oblast and looking into a request from the Odesa Service for Restoration to fund a mobile laboratory to improve quality assurance of work undertaken by the Service for Restoration in Odesa Oblast at the 9 BCPs along the Moldovan border.

USAID ERA has already supported modernization efforts at 27 BCPs across Ukraine’s western borders, with 10 road and rail BCPs in the Odesa Oblast. The improvements include basic improvements such as installing 68 new LED lighting systems at six BCPs, 50 traffic barricades at 3 BCPs, and 14 waste sorting bins for 8 road BCPs in the Odesa region. USAID ERA is also progressing with providing 48 modular facilities (or prefabricated buildings) for 8 BCPs. Further, ERA continues to work on design project documentation for modernizing Tabaky and Starokozache BCPs in the Odesa region.   

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs). 

USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA), in partnership with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure, has unveiled a new design for the reconstruction of the Yahodyn road border crossing point (BCP). USAID ERA subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine is currently developing this updated design. 

 Serhii Derkach, Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, Roman Komendant, Acting Head of the State Agency for Reconstruction, along with Brian Fahey, Senior Economic Growth Advisor at USAID, representatives of USAID ERA, and Miyamoto Ukraine, attended the presentation. 

Timothy Madigan, ERA Chief of Party, emphasized the strategic importance of the Yahodyn-Dorohusk border crossing for Ukraine, stating: “The renovated infrastructure will introduce modern control processes, utilizing paperless technology and automated traffic management. We expect this can increase the capacity for trucks by approximately 88.2% and for buses by 100%.” 

Under USAID ERA, the reconstruction will involve building a new freight terminal, expanding lanes for trucks, buses, and cars, and constructing administrative and engineering structures. The redesigned terminal area and freight terminal will include gender-sensitive and inclusive features, such as well-lit pathways, separate sanitary facilities, and designated areas for women with children and people with disabilities. These improvements will ensure enhanced safety and comfort for all visitors, aligning with international standards. The reconstruction is slated for completion by August 2025. 

USAID ERA and Miyamoto Ukraine are also working on a feasibility study for a new bridge, which the Ukrainian government plans to execute through the EU’s “Connecting Europe Facility-2” (CEF-2) program. The feasibility study will be completed by October 2024. 

Serhii Derkach highlighted that the Yahodyn-Dorohusk BCP, the largest in Ukraine, handles over 600 trucks daily. However, this capacity falls short, especially during the export season. He explained: “Our goal is to allow every truck to plan its departure online, days in advance, eliminating long waits. We expect the project to double Yahodyn’s capacity and significantly boost trade.”

Currently, the BCP processes 680 trucks and 50 buses daily. After the upgrades, which will feature up to 20 truck lanes, 12 car lanes, 4 bus lanes, and a pedestrian corridor, the capacity could increase to 1,280 trucks and 100 buses per day. These enhancements will boost efficiency, aiding Ukraine’s economic recovery. The BCP may also accommodate passenger vehicles in the future, further increasing the number of vehicles serviced. Once all the planned facilities are fully constructed, the BCP is expected to process 242,000 cars, 331,200 freight units, and 31,050 buses annually. 

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).

The Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké border crossing point (BCP) in the Zakarpattia region on Ukraine’s western border with Slovakia, has long struggled with infrastructure challenges, including outdated buildings, insufficient traffic lanes, lack of modern sanitary facilities, and limited space to handle increasing traffic. These issues have led to delays, inconveniences for travelers, and hindered the efficient execution of customs and border control procedures.  

As part of the initiative to modernize BCPs in Ukraine, USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) aims to make border crossing faster and more comfortable for both the BCP workers and users, such as vehicle drivers transporting goods for export and passengers, by reducing wait times and improving service quality at the border.  

In June 2024, USAID ERA subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine completed the feasibility study for the reconstruction of the existing passenger terminal and building a new one at the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké BCP. 

Detailed project documentation will be completed later this year in collaboration with the Agency for Restoration, the State Customs Service, and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Miyamoto has conducted surveys of all existing facilities and calculated the engineering capacity requirements.  
Reconstruction and construction work are scheduled to begin in Spring 2025.  

Natalia Chukanova, Chief Engineer, Miyamoto International Ukraine noted, “The Uzhhorod BCP is located in an area with a slight elevation difference due to the mountainous relief. This makes it quite non-standard, and it requires additional design features to protect the area from waterlogging. Our specialists use the latest technologies to improve the level of comfort and efficiency of customs and border control, as well as shorten the border crossing procedure. We are making significant efforts to accelerate the implementation of this project at this BCP and plan to complete all design work with the appropriate agreements by the end of this year.” 

The infrastructure upgrade at the Uzhhorod-Vyšné Nemecké BCP will improve border crossing conditions for passengers and help eliminate passenger vehicle and bus congestion at the cargo terminal. The BCP serves both passenger and cargo traffic and is one of the main BCP’s on Ukraine’s western border, with a current monthly export volume of 60,500 tons and a monthly cargo flow of 4,300 trucks (as of June 2024).

The BCP’s modernization being undertaken by USAID ERA will enhance the BCP’s capacity, improve the efficiency of control procedures, and ensure comfortable conditions at the site. According to estimates by Ukrainian Government partners, by 2026, USAID ERA support will increase the BCP’s capacity by an additional 680 trucks per month, and the agricultural goods turnover will grow by 14,000 tons per month.

The project involves the reconstruction of an unfinished building, specifically a service facility for customs and border control services. As part of the reconstruction, all necessary rooms and facilities will be equipped to ensure the continuous operation of the checkpoint, taking into account the norms and standards for barrier-free access for people with limited mobility. The project also includes strengthening the structures in the service area, partial or complete replacement of structures, completion of construction, and bringing the facilities up to modern energy efficiency standards, as well as updating the landscaping.

To improve traffic flow at the BCP, one lane for passenger buses and four lanes for passenger cars will be created for entry and exit from Ukraine. The project also includes the construction of a pedestrian corridor, installation of modular buildings for border guards and customs officers in both directions, canopies for inspecting passenger cars, a bay for in-depth inspection of vehicles and passenger buses, and a public restroom. The implementation of modern technologies will allow for the automation and standardization of processes at all stages of border crossing.

“The Modernization Project of the Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke checkpoint is an important step towards improving the infrastructure on Ukraine’s western border. This project will significantly increase the throughput capacity, which will help both reduce queues at the border and increase cargo turnover. Comfortable and safe conditions will be created for passengers and employees of the BCP that meet modern standards and norms.  We are pleased to thank our partners for their systematic support of the Agency for Restoration,” said Roman Komendant, Acting Head of the Agency for Restoration. 

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).

The USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) has procured 20 high-tech X-ray backscatter scanners to be used at Ukraine’s western border crossing points (BCPs). USAID ERA has already delivered the first 10 scanners to the State Customs, with plans to deliver the remaining 10 by mid-September. The scanners will be distributed across 12 BCPs, and ERA is planning a training to Customs officials on the use of the scanning systems, to be held by the end of August.

These scanners are a non-intrusive and quick way to scan vehicles, eliminating the need for in-depth inspections and deterring contrabands, thereby enabling Customs officials to speed up customs formalities at the BCPs and build confidence in the inspection process. Thus, they will increase the BCPs’ capacity for processing cargo for export and greatly enhance the BCP’s day-to-day operations and the users’ positive experience. 

Cameron Berkuti, ERA BCP Director, noted, “These scanners will not only help increase border security but also improve cargo processing procedures by accelerating the export process.” 

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).

USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), in cooperation with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, and the State Customs Service of Ukraine, is working to improve infrastructure at border crossing points (BCPs) on Ukraine’s western borders. This initiative aims to increase the BCPs’ efficiency, reduce waiting times, and create comfortable conditions for travelers and BCP staff. 

BCPs on Ukraine’s western border in the Zakarpattia region have long faced infrastructure problems, such as outdated buildings, insufficient lanes, lack of modern sanitary facilities and equipment, and limited space to handle the growing traffic. These problems led to delays and inconveniences for travelers and impeded the effective implementation of customs and border procedures. 

“We understand how vital the services provided at border crossing points are. This is why ERA is working on improving the conditions of BCPs and creating a favorable environment that enables more efficient export procedures. This is important for both travelers and BCP staff. In Zakarpattia Oblast, USAID ERA has already implemented a range of important improvements,” said ERA BCP Director Cameron Berkuti.

ERA vendors installed 381 LED lights at eight road BCPs in Zakarpattia Oblast — Dzvinkove—Lonia, Kosy—Barabash, Vylok—Tiszabecs, Malyi Berezniy—U’bla, Solotvyno—Sighetu, Chop (Tysa)—Zahony, Luzhanka—Beregsurany and Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké. 

At the Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké and Luzhanka—Beregsurany BCPs, ERA installed 10 modern prefabricated buildings for use as offices for border officials and restrooms with handicap access for travelers and new road signs and barricades and provided garbage bins for waste sorting. ERA contractors have repaved the road pavement, made road markings, installed LED lights, and added and expanded lanes. For example, an additional traffic flow lane at the Uzhhorod—Vysne Nemecke BCP will increase the traffic capacity by 680 vehicles per month and the turnover of agricultural goods by 14,000 tons per month. 

Vasyl Tatush, acting head of customs in Zakarpattia Oblast, says: “The new modular buildings provide comfortable conditions for our staff. There is now modern furniture with comfortable temperatures thanks to the installed air conditioners, which save us in the summer heat and significantly speed up customs procedures. Thanks to the movable road barricades, we can separate traffic lanes in a way that is convenient for the border guard to organize the BCP operation and for customs officers to perform customs formalities at the BCPs. 

He noted further: “Now, we receive a lot of positive feedback from travelers. Previously, the Slovakian side of the BCP was more modern, and travelers were not pleased when they entered the Ukrainian border, to be honest. Once the passenger traffic was relaunched at the renovated Uzhhorod—Vysne Nemecke BCP with new modular buildings, new clear road signs, and road markings, many travelers who often cross this BCP were surprised. They said that at least now they can figure out where to go and where to stop for an inspection by the border guard. We are also very pleased with the new sanitary modules. Now, there are more of them at this point, they are modern. In fact, we have only positive feedback.” 

As part of the modernization of Ukraine’s BCPs, USAID ERA aims to improve the efficiency and comfort of border crossing for both BCP staff and travelers by reducing waiting times and improving the quality of service at the border.   

Stanislav Baluyev, Deputy Head of the Department of Border Crossing Points and Infrastructure Development in Zakarpattia Oblast, highlighted: “Thanks to the cooperation with USAID ERA, we were able to implement quick solutions to improve border crossing conditions. These improvements have had a positive impact on staff performance and the speed of document processing, which in turn has increased the overall efficiency of the BCPs.  

We believe that we have done our best to improve the border crossing environment for travelers. We are grateful to our partner, USAID ERA, for making this possible in Ukraine. We look forward to further cooperation and have plans and prospects for improving the work of other BCPs. We are working, we are grateful to our partner, and we hope for fruitful cooperation in the future.”  

Between 2023 and 2026, USAID, through ERA, is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This support includes the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ) to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).   

In cooperation with the Ukrainian Railways (UZ), the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) is working on creating a more sustainable and efficient transportation network at railway crossing points on Ukraine’s western border.

On July 31, the USAID ERA contractor, Trading House Mashservis LLC, installed the final two sets of bogie exchange lifts (four lifts each) at the Mostyska II—Medyka rail border crossing point (BCP) in Lviv Oblast on the border with Poland. In total, they have installed five sets of a total of 20 units of the bogie exchange lifts.

Bogie exchange lifts are used to efficiently change wheel bogies to move trains and wagons from wider gauges (1520 mm) used in Ukraine to standard gauges (1435 mm) used in Europe and vice versa. The five sets of bogie lifts at Mostyska II-Medyka will potentially increase the throughput capacity to 40 wagons per day. 

Earlier this year, ERA provided Mostyska II BCP with 27 pieces of ICT equipment and one 50kW generator. Ongoing upgrades at the rail BCPs will collectively contribute to a more robust and efficient transportation network, bolstering trade and economic growth for Ukraine.  Improved working environments and facilities at rail BCPs will enable a more sustainable and efficient transportation network, boosting Ukraine’s economic growth. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the supports the Government of Ukraine, including the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (Ministry for Restoration), the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine (Agency for Restoration), the State Customs Service, and Ukrainian Railways (UZ), to upgrade 42 of Ukraine’s border crossing points (BCPs).