Starting at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, a strict heat regime has been implemented across the Kyiv region. As reported by the patrol police, this measure is essential to protect road infrastructure from damage caused by heavy vehicles during periods of intense heat. When ambient temperatures rise above +28°C, asphalt pavements become soft, making them highly susceptible to rutting and deformation under heavy axle loads.
Under current regulations, trucks with a gross weight exceeding 24 tons and an axle load of more than 7 tons are prohibited from driving during the peak heat of the day. Drivers are advised to utilize dedicated rest areas along highways or road service facilities to wait out the high-temperature periods. The police have indicated that they will provide real-time updates regarding the lifting of these restrictions via their Telegram channels.
However, according to the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development, these rules do not apply to vehicles involved in emergency response, the transport of hazardous or perishable goods, live animals, or critical military supply operations. Ensuring the flow of essential cargo remains a priority for the state, especially during the current defense requirements.
The rising frequency of extreme temperature events poses a growing challenge to Ukraine’s transport network. Recent reports have already highlighted issues with concrete slab buckling on the M-07 Kyiv-Kovel-Yahodyn highway, where thermal expansion caused the road surface to shift. Similar deformation issues have been noted in other urban areas, affecting tram rails and municipal infrastructure. Maintaining strict compliance with load restrictions is a critical component of preserving the functionality of the national road system until the heat wave subsides.