Traffic chaos in Varvarovka: potholes, open manholes, and trucks parked near residents' homes (photos)
272829303132333435363738394041424344454647The editorial office of “Novosti-N” has once again received complaints from residents of the Varvarovka microdistrict regarding the long-standing failure of city authorities to improve the road infrastructure in the area.
Residents claim that the only significant work done in recent years was the repair of the main road leading from Mykolaiv to Odesa. However, everything that connects to this road can hardly be classified as road infrastructure.
Many curbs are damaged, and ramps for wheelchair access are missing in numerous locations. People with disabilities, of whom there are quite a few in Varvarovka, have to navigate the roadway, putting their lives at great risk.
Along Odesa Highway, from the center of Varvarovka to the exit from Mykolaiv, there are several commercial establishments, including gas stations where vehicles enter directly from the highway. Yet, in many areas, there are simply no traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, or basic road signs to warn drivers about the road conditions and compel them to reduce their speed. This is particularly alarming in the heart of the microdistrict, on the M-14 highway, known as the Odesa road.
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The roads deeper within the microdistrict are in even worse condition. For instance, on the streets of Bokovaya, Urozhaynaya, and Zebek (formerly Suvorova), which are in close proximity to a block of stores, the largest being the ATB supermarket. Residents say that it is not just dangerous to drive on these roads, but even to walk—there is a risk of breaking an ankle.
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In certain areas, there are open manholes. And these are not located on the outskirts, but right next to the main highway where people walk. Walking down the road at night, one could easily miss these manholes. It would be fortunate to survive.
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Between the entrance to the equestrian sports base and Alexey Kvasha Street, there is a gas station, and closer to the city exit, a parking area for trucks. The road surface here is also in a deplorable state, and nearby are residential buildings, with mothers pushing strollers and children running around on these roads.
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In the area of Rassvetnaya Street, where a stadium is located, the roads have "worn down to dust"—they resemble a mixture of sand and chunks of asphalt. Traveling on such roads during a downpour turns into a real challenge.
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Residents report that they have repeatedly reached out to various authorities—both by phone and in writing. Their requests have not been unreasonable; they asked for road signs at dangerous intersections, road markings, etc. Officials redirect their complaints to other agencies, which they claim are responsible for executing powers in each direction and for each object. However, as of today, there are no solutions to these problems.
Regarding the repair of sidewalks with the installation of ramps on Odesa Highway, one response signed by the director of the Department of Housing and Communal Services, Dmitry Bezdolny, stated that the budget for 2024 includes funding that "constitutes only 29% of the minimum necessary requirement." Its purpose is "to cover expenses related to priority payments (protected items) and to implement activities aimed at maintaining the infrastructure in proper condition, repairing basement areas that can be used as basic shelters, restoring damaged houses in Mykolaiv, and funding for any other objects is not provided." It was also promised that "the repair of the sidewalk on Odesa Highway has been noted by the Department of Housing and Communal Services of the Mykolaiv City Council and will be included in the list of objects needing funding when forming the budget project for 2025."
As for the installation of road signs and markings on the main street of Varvarovka, the deputy head of the Urban Sustainable Development Department of the Mykolaiv City Council’s Housing and Communal Services, Natalia Osetska, indicated in her response: "[...] the road on Odesa Highway is a major thoroughfare, and the road surface on this street is under the responsibility of the Infrastructure Recovery and Development Service in Mykolaiv Oblast. All matters regarding traffic organization must be coordinated with the National Police. Therefore, a field meeting was held in conjunction with the Patrol Police in Mykolaiv Oblast at the specified section of road, locations of traffic accidents were identified, and decisions were made regarding the application of road markings (pedestrian crossings) and the installation of road signs [...] 'Pedestrian Crossing.' Work has been initiated by KSMEP employees."
Regarding the unauthorized parking of large vehicles at the exit from the city towards Odesa, the head of the Patrol Police in Mykolaiv Oblast, Elena Chovpan, stated that the decisions concerning the placement, arrangement, and operation of parking areas for vehicles fall under the jurisdiction of local councils and their executive bodies.
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