Ukraine's State Agency of Motor Roads of Ukraine (Ukravtodor) plans to overhaul 45 bridges in 2018 for UAH 2.3 billion, said Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan told TV Channel 112 Ukraine.

"This year, at least 45 bridges are planned to be repaired within the framework of a bridge infrastructure rehabilitation program in Ukraine under which UAH 2.3 billion will be allocated," he said.

As of January 1, 2018, Ukravtodor had about 6,000 bridges on its balance sheet, Omelyan said. Of the number, 1,000 facilities are in critical condition and another 2,500 need repairs.

According to the minister, most of these bridges are links not only between populated localities, but connect major routes in the country.

In the past two years, more than 60 bridges were overhauled, another 200 underwent maintenance repairs.

"In general, the program for renovation of Ukraine's bridge infrastructure until 2022 provides for an investment of $1 billion, or UAH 25 billion, which will be spent on bridges only," the minister said.

In his words, the amount is not enough, but even such disbursement is already a "good start."

According to Omelyan, about 6,000 bridges on the balance of Ukravtodor today, another 10,000 are managed by local (regional and municipal) councils.

As reported, Ukravtodor plans to stop maintenance repairs to roads and highways, switching to overhauls from 2020.