The Crimean Bridge linking Russia to the peninsula it annexed was closed to land and rail transport for more than 10 hours. Traffic stopped on Sunday, May 17, around 21:00, and it was announced that the bridge was open to traffic around 07:30 on Monday, May 18. The reason for the traffic stop was not reported.
The press service of the North Caucasus Railway announced that due to the closure of the bridge, 16 passenger trains were delayed in the Krasnodar Territory. “Passengers of trains delayed for more than four hours are provided with bottled water and meals,” the statement said, according to Interfax. Among the trains that are delayed for several hours are trains from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Traffic on the Qurum Bridge is regularly stopped, but rarely for several hours. The reasons for obstructing traffic are usually not mentioned, but the bridge is supposed to be closed if there is a threat of attack on it.