A stretch of the M-4 Don highway in the Rostov region faced a temporary closure for trucks and buses as severe weather battered the area. This update comes from the State company Avtodor via its telegram channel, conveying how drivers and traffic authorities responded to the crisis on the ground.
The impacted segment runs from Kamensk-Shakhtinsky to Shakhty, specifically the portion between 930 and 1024 kilometers. To keep traffic moving, an alternate route was arranged: M-4 at kilometer 961 through Zverevo, Gukovo, Novoshakhtinsk, and back to M-4 at kilometer 1001. Alongside the detour, rest and heating points were set up at several key locations—on kilometers 939, 983, and 994—to provide warmth, food, and shade from the cold for drivers who needed a pause during their journeys.
As the situation unfolded, regional authorities also reported that the Rostov area was hit by heavy snowfall, which reduced visibility and increased traction problems on ice-slicked surfaces. High winds accompanied the snowfall, amplifying the risk of accidents and complicating the work of road maintenance crews who were tasked with clearing lanes and deploying snow-fighting equipment. The weather conditions prompted authorities to issue restrictions and remind motorists to drive with caution, keep headlights on, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles. The goal was to minimize the number of incidents and ensure that emergency services could respond quickly if conditions worsened.
In a separate incident report from Rostov region coverage, authorities noted that a number of traffic slowdowns and small collisions were caused by the winter storm. The intent of the advisories was to keep travelers informed and to encourage alternative planning for longer trips, especially for goods transport and passenger travel that relied on the M-4 corridor. While efforts continued to manage the traffic flow, drivers were encouraged to monitor weather updates and obey road signs and detour instructions so that congestion did not compound the hazards created by the storm.
Earlier reporting touched on a separate event near Veliky Novgorod, where a major multi-vehicle collision occurred involving around 30 cars. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident, though the scene required careful coordination by responders to secure the area and assist drivers and passengers. The coverage highlighted how quickly weather, road conditions, and traffic density can intersect to produce dangerous situations on regional highways, even when authorities are actively monitoring conditions and implementing safety measures.
A previous incident in the Stavropol region described a transport mishap involving a minibus and a truck. The details indicated that such accidents can happen on routes that experience sudden weather shifts or heavy traffic, particularly when speed limits are challenged by slick surfaces or limited visibility. The reporting underlined the importance of staying within safety guidelines, prioritizing vehicle maintenance, and preparing for winter travel with appropriate gear and planning to avoid delays and potential harm on the road network.
Across these reports, the common thread is the critical role of timely information, efficient detour routing, and the deployment of worker safety stations to support drivers during harsh winter conditions. The coordination between traffic authorities, road service providers, and transport operators demonstrates a structured approach to preserving traffic flow while mitigating risk. For travelers and freight operators alike, the takeaway is clear: in severe snow, wind, or ice, advance planning and adherence to official guidance are essential to maintaining safety and reliability on major highway corridors.