In Kaluga Oblast, in the run-up to Road Workers' Day, traffic has been launched down the reconstructed 111-124 km section of the M-3 "Ukraina" highway. Now, car trips from Spas-Zagorye to Chulkovo are faster, more comfortable, and safer.
In the course of construction and installation works, the crews built emergency stopping lanes; in total, 160.8 thousand tons of asphalt concrete were installed at this segment only. To separate traffic flows, 38 km of crash barrier were set up. Further, road workers applied 11.3 thousand square meters of markings, and set up over 590 lighting poles to ensure safe traffic at night. More than 650 workers and 165 units of machinery were employed during the busiest phase.
Also, an interchange at Spas-Zagorye, which includes two exits, was built at the renovated section. This new interchange eliminates at-grade intersections and removes the need for traffic lights, creating a continuous flow. The structure was paved with 3,300 tons of durable, high-performance asphalt. In total, 1.3 km of metal crash barrier was installed. New lane markings covering 404 square meters guide drivers safely through the interchange. Culverts were installed to prevent flooding, road base erosion, and waterlogging from rainwater and snowmelt. Additionally, 52 lighting poles were installed for nighttime travel safety.
The works have improved traffic safety along the section and transportation accessibility for the residents of Maloyaroslavets district of Kaluga Oblast, as well as for the entire agglomeration of settlements in the vicinity of the motorway. Besides, once the reconstruction is complete, the town of Maloyaroslavets will be relieved of traffic due to an alternate high-speed route for cars moving along the Varshavskoye Highway.
The 111-124 km section of the M-3 "Ukraina" is part of the reconstruction project of the high-speed highway from km 65 to km 124, stretching from Bekasovo to Maloyaroslavets. Upon completion of the reconstruction, local roads for residential traffic will emerge in populated areas, ensuring high-speed, non-stop movement. Travel time will be significantly cut down, and people will be able to get to Moscow and Kaluga faster. Moreover, transit vehicles will be able to pass freely without interfering with the local traffic of Naro-Fominsk, Balabanov and Obninsk. Transportation accessibility of the territories will improve, which will give an impetus to the development of the regions and enable them to unleash their economic potential.
