OREANDA-NEWS. November 17, 2011. Transstroymekhanisatsiya (TSM, a Mostotrest subsidiary) has won the government tender for Phase 1 upgrade of M-9 Baltiya Highway.

M-9 Baltiya is a Grade 1 federal highway stretching from Moscow via Volokolamsk to the Latvian border (and on to Riga). The open tender for Phase 1 upgrade of the M-9 segment between km 17+910 and km 50+016 in the Moscow Region was held by Central Highways Federal Government Agency, acting as the government client under the project. Following the review of competitive bids, TSM has been awarded the tender. In accordance with contract terms, the RUB18.467 billion (including VAT) project is to be completed within 40.5 months as of the contract date. Two-way traffic along the entire construction site will be maintained throughout project execution.

The 32.1 km-long M-9 Baltiya segment to be rebuilt under Phase 1 comprises of many bridge structures. In accordance with the government contract, TSM will upgrade, expand and reinforce traffic way along the entire segment, upgrade 20 bridge structures (including 3 bridges (of which a big bridge over the Istra River), 14 overpasses along the highway, 2 overpasses above the highway and 1 elevated pedestrian crossing). As part of the upgrade, TSM will increase the width of bridge structures to 5 lanes in each direction (except the km 26+457 overpass, which will be expanded to 4 traffic lanes). Bridge structures, which had been designed based on outdated traffic rates will be replaced entirely. In addition, the project envisions construction of a new traffic interchange at the intersection with the Vishnevski Hospital – Arkhangelskoye Highway, as well as upgrade of the traffic interchange at the intersection with the Smaller Moscow Ring Road (A-107). TSM will also rebuild M-9 exits from all 6 traffic interchanges located along the segment.

The project will bring the segment's width to 6-10 lanes, with separated traffic ways in both directions (current width: 4-6 lanes). Specifically, TSM will upgrade smaller bridge structures and mount, in accordance with the existing traffic safety regulations, 140 km of protective steel barriers along the roadsides and the central reserve, as well as 30 km of noise screens and grids barring passage to animals.

In accordance with the project documentation, TSM will use the most recent road building technology, machinery, equipment, structures and materials, which will significantly improve operating characteristics and reliability of the road pavement (lean hot-rolled asphalt, geogrid, geotextile to reinforce the dam, etc).

To build road water treatment facilities, TSM will use new wastewater purification technology based on natural purification processes (gravity thickening, non-modified natural materials, including shungite and calcite). Gabion structures will be used to form bearing walls of water treatment facilities.

In addition, new technologies will be used in developing project solutions for automated traffic flow management and exterior illumination.

M-9 Baltiya km 19+910 – km 50+016 segment design speed post upgrade will be 120 km/h.