On August 6, 2024, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink and representatives of USAID visited Ukraine’s Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké border crossing point (BCP) in Zakarpattia Oblast to observe how recent infrastructure improvements by USAID’s Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) are enabling exports and supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery. 

During the visit, Ambassador Brink inspected rapid upgrades of the BCP and entered one of the 10 fully-furnished prefabricated structures used as rest facilities by State Customs and Border Guard officials.

ERA’s BCP Director led the tour and highlighted the civil engineering improvements, such as upgrades to the canopy, LED lighting, drainage, and signage, as well as pavement and road marking and painting of the facilities. The Ambassador was quite impressed by ERA’s rapid upgrades. 

A Government of Ukraine delegation, led by Head of Zakarpattia Oblast Military Administration Viktor Mykyta, also attended the tour and highlighted how Ukraine’s export and import cargo flows have changed during the war. Also in attendance were Head of Zakarpattia Regional Customs Oleksandr Semyrha, Head of SARDI in Zakarpattia Oblast Yurii Maksymenko, Commander of the Chop Border Detachment Vasyl Vitrovchak, Head of Zakarpattia Regional Council Roman Sarai, and Deputy Manager of the Executive Office of Zakarpattia Regional Council Taras Hayduk.

The Ambassador and officials observed the design rendering for the new passenger terminal that ERA is working on, and the officials thanked USAID and emphasized the importance of completing work on the terminal that was stalled in 2022.

The Uzhhorod – Vyšné Nemecké BCP operates both passenger and freight traffic. It is one of the main BCPs on Ukraine’s western border, with a current monthly export volume of 60,500 tons and monthly average traffic of 4,300 trucks. It is one of nine priority BCPs receiving USAID rapid upgrades and long-term improvement support, including the planned construction of a passenger terminal renovation.

ERA’s ongoing upgrade of Uzhhorod will increase safety and efficiency, improve accessibility, and build confidence in standards and processes. GoU partners estimate that by 2026, thanks to USAID support, the BCP will experience increased throughput by an additional 680 trucks/month, and increased agricultural turnover by 14,000 tons/month. 

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) continues upgrading lighting systems at border crossing points (BCPs) to improve illumination at night. Between June  – July, ERA suppliers installed a total of 342 LED lights and fixtures at the Reni and Kuchurhan rail BCPs, and the Dolynske, Vynohradivka, and Novi Troyany road BCPs, all in Odesa Oblast on Ukraine’s border with Moldova. The enhancement of lighting systems at Ukraine’s BCPs is a vital step in improving operational efficiency, safety, and security.   

The smooth functioning of border operations ensures the safe and efficient movement of export goods and of travelers. It will also help reduce maintenance costs and lower energy consumption, ensuring a more robust and resilient border infrastructure. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support 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). 

On July 24, representatives of the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) led by USAID ERA Deputy Chief of Party Kirsten Pfeiffer, held a meeting with the leaders of the Restoration and Infrastructure Development Service in Odesa Oblast – Andriy Donchenko, Head of the Odesa Service for Restoration, and Yevhen Yukhno, Head of the Border Crossing Department. They discussed the current situation and directions for further cooperation on developing and constructing border crossing points (BCPs) in Odesa Oblast. 

USAID ERA is actively cooperating in developing border infrastructure in Odesa Oblast, particularly by contributing to the modernization of two rail and eight road BCPs. ERA’s subcontractor, Miyamoto Ukraine, is working on predesign activities for the Tabaky – Myrne BCP. 

Furthermore, two rail BCPs have ongoing installations of generators, ICT equipment, and LED lights. As part of upcoming rapid upgrade activities for the eight road BCPs, USAID ERA plans to install new prefabricated buildings, traffic organization tools, and trash bin sets and containers. Additionally, ERA’s contractors will install LED lighting and fixtures, and undertake pavement, landscaping, curb repair, road markings, and other civil work. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAD, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This 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 Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, the USAID Economic Resilience Activity (USAID ERA) to upgrade Ukraine’s western border crossing points. 

“We believe that modern, efficient, and safe border infrastructure and transparent procedures will reduce export costs and increase capacity to export grain and other vital agro-commodities, which is crucial for Ukraine’s economic recovery and advancement with EU integration” noted Cameron Berkuti, ERA Border Crossing Point (BCP) Director. 

USAID ERA has prioritized the modernization of 42 of Ukraine’s road and rail crossing points on the borders with Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania to improve efficiency, accessibility, safety, and logistics capacity for cargo exports grouped into three priority categories based on the urgency of upgrades and vital equipment needed, and major infrastructure improvements to follow.  

In the first year of ERA activities, we have already commenced the urgent upgrades at 22 of these border crossing points. 

“ERA’s contractors have repaired pavements, storm drains, and canopies, painted barriers and fences, replaced traffic signs, striping, and markings, and improved energy-efficient lighting at the first 4 priority road  BCPs”, said Oleksandr Burdun, Sr. Manager for BCP Upgrades. 

Artmetal Ukraine manufactured and installed 33 modern prefabricated buildings at the first four priority road BCPs – Yahodun–Dorohusk, Porubne–Siret, Uzhhorod–Vyšné Nemecké, and Luzhanka– Beregsurány. These are all fully equipped and provide suitable working conditions for the State Customs and Border Guard officials and comfortable accessibility-compliant restroom facilities for travelers. 

Ukrainian company VATRA Corporation manufactured the LED lights that were installed at these BCPs. The high-quality products provide illumination, boosting safety and operational efficiency. 

Each of these four BCPs has also been equipped with two sets of mobile vehicle scales. These are versatile and can be quickly moved to where they’re most needed and can weigh various vehicles and cargoes. 

Additionally, USAID ERA subcontractor Miyamoto International Ukraine has completed the pre-design work for the reconstruction of the Yahodyn–Dorohusk BCP. The predesign work consisted of completing a feasibility study (FS)/Technical economic Justification (TEJ) and pre-design work for the new cargo terminal at the BCP.  

The new facility will enable the implementation of an enhanced system of modern control processes based on paperless technologies and automated traffic management that will increase throughput capacity by 10-15 percent. 

Also, Miyamoto is finalizing pre-design and updating available old design documentation for unfinished cargo terminals at Uzhhorod–Vyšné Nemecké, and for new cargo terminals at Diakivtsi–Racovăţ and Krasnoilsk–Vikovu de Sus BCPs. Miyamoto also initiated pre-design field surveys on the Tabaky–Myrne BCP in May 2024 and started development of TEJ at Bila Tserkva–Sighetu-Marmatiei in June 2024. 

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This 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 Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) has begun upgrading lighting systems at key border crossing points (BCPs) to improve illumination at night. A total of 875 LED lights are planned to be replaced or installed at road BCPs on Ukraine’s border with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Romania.  

Between April and May 2024, ERA vendors installed 381 LED lights at eight road BCPs in Zakarpatiia Oblast – Dzvinkove—Lonia, Kosyno—Barabash, Vylok—Tiszabecs, Malyi Berezniy—U’bla,  Solotvyno—Sighetu, Chop (Tysa)—Zahony, Luzhanka—Beregsurany and Uzhhorod—Vyšné Nemecké. The enhancement of lighting systems at Ukraine’s BCPs is a vital step in improving operational efficiency, safety, and security. Previously, in December 2023, the USAID Project had already upgraded lighting at two border crossing points on Ukraine’s borders with Poland (Volyn Oblast) and Slovakia, installing 479 LED lamps, which significantly improved lighting at night. 

“We are thankful to our partners for their support of Ukraine and the rapid implementation of important projects for our country,” said the first deputy head of the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration.  

These BCPs are part of the 44 priority crossing points on Ukraine’s western borders being modernized through ERA to strengthen the export logistics infrastructure of Ukraine. The lighting system improvements are essential for the smooth functioning of border operations and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of goods and travelers. The long-term benefits of this initiative include reduced maintenance costs, lower energy consumption, and a more robust and resilient border infrastructure.

“The upgrade of the lighting system at the BCPs managed by the Zakarpattia Customs contributed to improving the quality of customs control and clearance in the dark, improving the working conditions of the customs and border guard services, as well as the comfort of citizens crossing the border,” commented Oleksandr Semyrga, Head of the Zakarpattia Customs.

Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support 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).

In cooperation with the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the State Agency for Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine, USAID Economic Resilience Activity (ERA) subcontractor Miyamoto Ukraine finalized the predesign work for the reconstruction of the Yahodyn–Dorohusk road border crossing point. 

The predesign work consisted of completing a feasibility study (FS)/Technical economic Justification (TEJ) and pre-design work for the new cargo terminal at the BCP.  

The new facility will enable the implementation of an enhanced system of modern control processes based on paperless technologies and automated traffic management that will increase throughput capacity by 10-15%.  

Therefore, the completed pre-design and FS/TEJ is a significant milestone that paves the way for the next stage of work, the detailed design work, which has already begun. The final stage of the process is the major construction of the new cargo terminal, supported by USAID. Major construction of the new cargo terminal at the additional territory includes constructing new transport and pedestrian routes and building necessary structures and control locations, to be completed by the end of 2025.  

“The specialists of our company cooperated closely with all the relevant stakeholders during this important process of improving the operation of the BCP. We are also introducing international experience into the BCP’s operation, and the newest materials and technologies.  We make every effort to achieve the set goals within the specified timeframe in compliance with the requirements of Ukrainian and international legislation. We aspire to improve the process of our western border crossings through comfortable conditions for travelers and BCP staff members,” Nataliia Chukanova, the chief engineer of Miyamoto International Ukraine said.

Further, ERA and Miyamoto Ukraine will develop limited FS for the current BCP and proposed bridge by October 2024 and provide these to the Government of Ukraine for future implementation through the EU-funded Connecting Europe Facility-2 (CEF-2) Activity.

Both the newly reconstructed area of the existing terminal and the new cargo terminal will incorporate gender-sensitive and inclusive design features such as well-lit pathways, separate sanitation facilities, and designated areas for women, children, and persons with disability to enhance safety and comfort for all users, in alignment with international best practices. 

Currently, the Yahodyn-Dorohusk BCP processes 340 trucks, 25 buses, and 550 cars during a 12-hour shift. After the reconstruction, the addition of a cargo terminal and pedestrian crossing (as well as the reorganization and optimization of the transport scheme to 20 lanes for trucks, 12 lanes for cars, four lanes for buses, and a pedestrian corridor) will potentially increase the BCP’s capacity to 640 trucks, 50 buses, and 1,000 cars per each 12-hour shift. The expected results are that the BCP will operate permanently with an annual flow of 3,519,000 people, 242,000 car units, 331,200 cargo units, and 31,050 buses, significantly boosting Ukraine’s export and economic recovery.  

 Background: Between 2023-2026, USAID, through the Economic Resilience Activity (ERA), is dedicating $115 million to support the Government of Ukraine. This 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).