Dirt road across Chukotka to be built over the next 30 years
26.01.12 19:59
Construction of a new federal highway has started in Chukotka, the north-easternmost region of Russia. To build 1800 kilometers (1000 miles) of the dirt road, Russian authorities will spend 150 bln rubles ($5 bln) and it will take 30 years. The road Omcukchan – Omolon – Anadyr will connect the capital of the region to Russia's federal road network. Now there's no land connection between Chukotka and other regions. There's no railroad in Chukotka and almost no permanent roads, most of the region's network consists of winter trails.
The first part of the road will connect the small towns of Bilibino and Komsomolsky, the construction of the first 30-kilometer portion has already started. There's 30 construction machines there and the workers settlement was set. Another 23km portion will be built later this year.
The road will go all around the region, through several mountain passes, and over permafrost.
This will be the road of the lowest category, there will be no asphalt, it will go over the natural ground, without foundation. Surface will be dressed with special agent to bound the soil and increase the durability of its surface. It will be only 4,5 meters wide, there will be barriers, some defense against snow, and road signs.
The planned speed limit is 60 kph.
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Another epic federal highway construction connecting Chita and Khabarovsk lasted 44 years.
