Two new toll routes are slated to open in June 2023, aimed at shortening travel times to the Black Sea and improving regional connectivity. Reports from Kommersant, citing Vyacheslav Petushenko, head of Avtodor, outline the core details of these forthcoming toll corridors.
The first route described is the eastern bypass around Rostov-on-Don. This section is designed to steer traffic away from Aksai by bypassing the city through a toll-controlled corridor that eliminates at-grade intersections and traffic signals along that segment. The second toll corridor is identified as the Far West Bypass around Krasnodar. This bypass funnels through a western arc that takes traffic from the Kuban capital toward the Crimean region, reducing travel time for long-distance journeys bound for southern destinations.
Officials emphasize that the new paid segments could shave several hours off a Moscow-to-Crimea trip, with estimates ranging from three to four hours depending on the exact route and traffic conditions. The anticipated opening date for these crossing routes is set for June 10, according to the same source.
In addition to the announced toll corridors, earlier reporting indicated potential developments on the M-12 highway corridor. There is discussion of opening traffic along the Moscow-to-Kazan segment of the M-12 to improve cross-country travel. Plans for extending the M-12 Vostok highway toward Yekaterinburg are projected to proceed in 2024, signaling a broader effort to enhance east–west and north–south highway connections across the country. Such projects reflect ongoing strategic investments in toll-based infrastructure to streamline regional mobility and support freight movement, tourism, and economic activity across key corridors. These initiatives, while framed as improvements to national transport capacity, also carry implications for traffic distribution, road maintenance funding, and regional development in the near term. The overall goal appears to be faster, more predictable travel times for travelers aiming to reach the Black Sea coast and neighboring regions, as well as to improve access to central hubs along the route network.
The broader context for these developments involves balancing capacity with safety and efficiency. By constructing controlled-access bypasses that shorten the path between major cities and coastal destinations, authorities aim to reduce congestion in urban centers and improve freight reliability on long-haul segments. Economic considerations include toll revenue, maintenance responsibilities, and potential shifts in traffic patterns as drivers seek optimized routes. Residents and travelers alike may experience changes in travel planning, with more emphasis placed on toll allocation, rest areas, and service facilities positioned along the new corridors. While the precise timelines may evolve, the overarching strategy signals a sustained push to modernize extensive road networks, connect regional economies more effectively, and support tourism flows toward the Black Sea region and beyond [Kommersant].