Benchmark
Why Fixing Europe's Worst Roads Is More Than Just a Vote-Winner
Renovating Ukraine’s decaying highways could boost the economy
Two cyclists near Ivano-Frankvisk, Ukraine, on Feb. 6, 2014.
Photographer: Vincent MundyThis article is for subscribers only.
Ukraine’s economy is set for a shot in the arm as politicians desperate to boost lowly ratings revamp a road system that’s been decaying since the Soviet collapse a quarter-century ago.
Led by Prime Minister Volodymyr Hroisman, officials keen to attract voters before elections in 2019 are channeling unprecedented funds into highways ranked Europe’s worst in the latest Global Competitiveness Report. Investment may reach 1.4 percent of gross domestic product next year, more than four times what was spent when Ukraine overhauled infrastructure before co-hosting the Euro 2012 soccer championship with Poland.