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).