Closure of the highest mountain pass in Ukraine: car traffic will be suspended for five months

From November 1, 2024 to April 1, 2025, a temporary closure of automobile traffic through the Shurdyn mountain pass is planned. This decision was made in order to ensure road safety during the winter period, when weather conditions can be particularly difficult.

According to the information provided by the Service for Reconstruction and Development of Infrastructure in the Chernivtsi Region, traffic restrictions are introduced in accordance with the "Procedure for Temporary Restriction or Prohibition of Traffic" on certain sections of public highways. The "Shurdyn" pass, the length of which is 19 kilometers, is located at an altitude of 1173.5 meters, and is known for its difficult terrain, which significantly complicates travel.

This pass is the highest in Ukraine and passes through a road that is often exposed to snowfall, fog and slippery gravel. These factors significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents, making travel through this route dangerous, especially in winter.

The "Shurdyn" pass was built during the times of Austria-Hungary and has narrow sections with numerous sharp turns, which adds additional difficulties for drivers. That is why, in order to prevent accidents and ensure safety, it was decided to close traffic through this pass.

Drivers are offered alternative detour routes: through P-62, which passes through Kryvsivtsi, Ust Putila, Stari Kuty, Vyzhnytsia, Storozhynets, and Chernivtsi, as well as T-26-01, which connects Chernivtsi with Vashkivtsi, Putila, and the checkpoint "Ruska".

In addition, in 2025, it is planned to start the construction of the Eurotrack, which will connect Chernivtsi with Suceava. This infrastructure initiative aims to connect cities in Romania, Ukraine, Moldova and Poland, including Krakow, Lviv, Chernivtsi, Suceava and Ungheni, which will promote regional integration and improve transport links.