Traffic has begun on a new segment of the M-12 Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod–Kazan highway, extending for 26.1 kilometers. The posted speed limit along this stretch is 110 km/h, enabling faster cross-country travel for long-distance drivers as well as regional commuters.
Officials highlighted the significance of this milestone. One speaker emphasized that the second phase of the M-12 is a major achievement, noting that it was delivered a year ahead of the original schedule. In discussions with colleagues, attention was drawn to the long-term potential of the M-12 as part of a broader West–East corridor. There is consensus that the route should advance toward creating a continuous line from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok, connecting Russia’s western and eastern regions into a single, efficient corridor.
Plans for the completion of the second stage call for an additional 11 kilometers of roadway. This extension is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2022 and will connect the Sobinsky district’s intersection with the regional road Volga–Stolbishchi to the junction with the federal highway R-132, also known as the Golden Ring route, which travels between Vladimir, Gus-Khrustalny, and Tuma in the Sudogodsky district.
Throughout the construction process, a total of fifteen artificial structures have been planned and will be installed. The forthcoming works include bridges that span the Vorsha, Koloksha, and Klyazma rivers, along with viaducts crossing the M-7 Volga highway and nearby rail lines. These structures are designed to bolster safety, improve travel time, and support future traffic growth on the corridor.
Travel on the new section is designed to be smooth and accessible, thanks in part to the barrier-free toll system Free Stream, which eliminates the need to stop at toll booths for most vehicles. This aligns with broader efforts to modernize tolling and reduce bottlenecks on major interregional routes.
Geographically, the M-12 corridor traverses five major regions: Moscow, Vladimir, and Nizhny Novgorod, as well as the republics of Chuvashia and Tatarstan. For travelers starting in Moscow and aiming for Kazan, the journey is projected to take about 6.5 hours under normal driving conditions, a notable improvement over the longer travel times seen on older routes such as the M-7. The trip is expected to cost around 3,000 rubles, with potential reductions through loyalty or promotional programs that may apply to qualifying travelers.
The new stretch of the M-12 is poised to become a central artery for regional commerce and passenger mobility, offering a faster, more direct link across a broad swath of central Russia. By shortening travel times and streamlining tolling, the corridor supports economic activity, tourism, and daily commuting while enhancing connectivity between Russia’s western and eastern regions.
Officials stress that ongoing development will continue to emphasize safety, efficiency, and reliability. As sections open and more segments follow, the M-12 is expected to serve as a backbone for cross-country traffic, reinforcing the nation’s strategic east–west connectivity goals and facilitating smoother travel for both freight and passenger vehicles across the region.