A ceremonial opening was held for the new Dyurtyuli–Achit federal high-speed highway, with Russian President Vladimir Putin officially inaugurating the route.
The highway passes through the Republic of Bashkortostan, Perm Krai, and Sverdlovsk Region. It is part of the federal M-12 Vostok highway and forms a key segment of the national Russia transport corridor. The project has been implemented under the national project Infrastructure for Life.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Andrey Nikitin, Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov, Governor of Perm Krai Dmitry Makhonin, Governor of Sverdlovsk Region Denis Pasler, and Chairman of State Company Avtodor Vyacheslav Petushenko.
“Regions along this highway will feel its economic impact. Moscow, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Sverdlovsk, Chuvashia, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Perm Krai will all see an increase in investment potential and business activity. They will be able to develop territories comprehensively, launch new production facilities, and create high-paying jobs. The social and economic benefits will also extend to areas within the highway’s influence, increasing regional connectivity. For example, travel from Chelyabinsk to Kazan, Vladimir, or Moscow will become significantly faster,” said President Vladimir Putin.
The President also congratulated the team at State Company Avtodor on its upcoming 16th anniversary, highlighting the company’s contribution to the development of Russia’s high-speed road network, which has more than doubled in length since the company was established. He praised the Avtodor team for their achievements and wished them continued success and new accomplishments.
“The opening of the Dyurtyuli–Achit section of the M-12 Vostok marks a significant milestone in completing the powerful West-East corridor project. From today, the stretch from St. Petersburg to Chelyabinsk now spans 2,500 km without a single traffic light, fully illuminated, with communication coverage, refueling stations, and significant time savings. This is the result of the hard work of true professionals! The Dyurtyuli–Achit section connects Yekaterinburg to the European part of Russia, passing through Bashkortostan, Perm Krai, and Sverdlovsk Region. The Avtodor team overcame challenging weather conditions and complex geological features, completing the project precisely on schedule. Thanks to the President for systemic support, to the Prime Minister for continuous attention, and, of course, to all the road builders, bridge engineers, and designers for achieving such remarkable results on a project of this scale,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
“This was one of the most complex projects in terms of geological and climatic conditions. Together, we overcame these challenges, and by using local soil and new construction technologies, we managed to reduce project timelines and save budgetary funds. Importantly, the roads we build are in high demand. A year and a half ago, we completed the M-12 Vostok highway to Kazan, and more than 40 million motorists have already traveled on it. There is no doubt that the new Dyurtyuli–Achit section, which is critical for linking Central Russia with the Urals and Siberia, will also see high usage,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.
The new 275 km highway reduces travel time between Dyurtyuli and Achit from six hours to two and a half hours. During construction, 3.7 million tons of asphalt concrete were laid, designed for resistance to rutting, fatigue cracking, fractures, and water damage.
The Dyurtyuli–Achit highway features four lanes, six interchanges, and approximately 100 structures, including 50 overpasses, 25 bridges, and 24 eco-ducts and wildlife crossings. The route has no at-grade intersections, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings, ensuring high traffic capacity.
For driver safety and comfort, 877 km of barrier fencing and 92,000 m² of noise barriers have been installed, along with more than 16,000 lighting poles and over 1,500 km of road markings. During peak construction, over 10,000 personnel and 3,000 pieces of equipment were employed.
The highway is equipped with an automated traffic management system (ATMS), including 242 video cameras, 249 variable message signs, 71 vehicle detectors, and 7 weather stations.
Special attention has been paid to driver convenience. Already at opening, motorists can use modern multifunctional roadside service zones along the 1,341 km of the M-12 highway in Bashkortostan. These facilities provide a full range of services for drivers and passengers on both short and long trips. Eight additional service zones are planned for future opening.
Twelve emergency commissioner crews are operational along the Dyurtyuli–Achit highway, providing free assistance to motorists around the clock. Mobile phone coverage is also ensured along the entire route.
