On November 29, heavy snowfall swept across the Selenga region of Buryatia, forcing officials to close sections of regional roads to execute an evacuation operation for trucks stranded by slick, icy pavement. The updates were relayed through the All Ulan-Ude Telegram channel, which has become a key source of local weather and transport information. The operation focused on the Ulan-Ude–Kyakhta highway, with the 112th kilometer near the Novoselenginsky Bridge designated as the staging point for moving the blocked vehicles. Crews warned that the combination of fresh snow, wind-driven glare, and a crust of ice on the roadway could endanger both the trucks and the people who attempt to pull them free. The goal was to move the vehicles to safer spaces while snowplows could backfill the corridor and restore a secure lane for emergency personnel. Local residents were advised to avoid nonessential travel and to expect detours, delays, or changes in service schedules until conditions improved.
At around 10:30 a.m., traffic was halted along the 112th kilometer of the Ulan-Ude–Kyakhta route to complete the evacuation of trucks gathered at the Novoselenginsky Bridge. This decision allowed road workers to bring in more powerful tow equipment and to stage the removal operations without the risk of sudden vehicle movements on ice. Eyewitness footage captured a sea of nearly a hundred heavy trucks, their silhouettes crowded on the snow-locked asphalt as wind-driven snow swirled around. As crews began sequencing the moves, drivers waited in line, some taking shelter in small pockets away from the main roadway, while others checked fluids and prepared for longer waits should the cold persist. The scene underscored how a weather event can swiftly turn routine trucking into a delicate, time-consuming operation.
Beyond the main chokepoint, the broader republic faced widespread disruption across the road network. Officials reported difficulties along the Sayantui–Saratovka corridor and the route between Voznesenivka and Khoshun-Uzur, where traffic for both buses and heavy vehicles was severely restricted. On several routes, drivers experienced slowdowns, and public transport systems faced cascading delays, forcing many to rearrange plans. In light of these disruptions, travelers were urged to exercise caution, maintain ample following distances, and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles. The unpredictable mix of fresh snow, ice, and gusty winds meant that even short trips could become protracted undertakings, prompting many to postpone trips that were not strictly necessary.
Officials further reported that in four districts of Buryatia, intermunicipal buses were canceled and suburban services were delayed by 30 to 40 minutes. The corridor for heavy traffic, including trucks and buses, was shut from Tarbagatai to Voznesenivka, and the Ulan-Ude–Unegetey flight was canceled. Despite those restrictions, a limited set of routes remained accessible, with Barskoy Pass, Mandrik, Pykhta and Zagan opened to travelers when weather allowed. These openings offered relief for essential movements but came with caveats about ice, visibility, and the possibility of further restrictions as storms continued to churn through the region. The net effect was a patchwork network where some routes functioned, others paused, and everyone waited for safer conditions to return.
The situation underscored the importance of preparedness for winter driving, a theme that resonates in cold regions around the world. For those who must travel, authorities recommend carrying a well-stocked winter kit, including warm clothing, blankets, food and water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a charged mobile battery pack, a reliable shovel, an ice scraper, a spare tire and tools, and traction aids. Drivers should ensure antifreeze levels, keep fuel tanks near full, and have a plan for staying warm if stranded. In addition, travelers should check road conditions and weather forecasts before setting out and consider coordinating with others to reduce risk. By staying informed and prepared, motorists can mitigate delays and reach their destinations more safely, even when the snow falls hard and visibility drops.
Updates about this incident circulated through regional channels and transportation databases, with the All Ulan-Ude Telegram channel continuing to relay developments as crews work to clear the corridors. The episode illustrates the volatile nature of winter traffic in vast, sparsely populated areas and the need for swift, disciplined response when weather events escalate. For readers outside Russia, the story resonates with similar winter challenges in North America, reminding travelers to respect road conditions, respect road closures, and prioritize safety as the cold season unfolds.