The construction of an automobile bridge across the Lena River near Yakutsk might begin in the nearest future. The project was approved by the Russian President himself.
The construction of the 3-km long bridge will cost about RUR 83 bln ($1.2 bln) including VAT. It is expected that a private investor will take part, according to Kommersant daily.
Cars will be able to cross the bridge for free, while truck and bus drivers will have to pay a toll of RUR 1K-4K ($16-62).
The construction might be finished as soon as in 2025. The project will increase Yakutia’s gross regional product by 2.5%-3% and reduce the annual expenses for providing the region with food and fuel by RUR 4.1 bln. Yakutsk is currently Russia’s only large city that does not have an all-season access to the federal motorway. Car drivers have to take ice roads in the winter and a ferry in the summer.