OREANDA-NEWS. Transstroymekhanisatsiya, Mostotrest's subsidiary, has completed a range of construction works on the M-4 “Don” federal motorway section bypassing Voronezh (km 492 - km 517). The section, commissioned following large-scale overhauling, constitutes a category IB speedway, including from 4 to 6 traffic lanes, median strip and lack of off-ramps and intersections with second-tier roads at the road level. The designated traffic speed is 120 km/h. Construction was completed as part of a life-cycle contract, and completed according to schedule.

The first life-cycle contract in Russia's roadway industry for the completion overhaul, maintenance and repair of the M-4 “Don” roadway section in Voronezh Region was closed on 2 June 2011. The project was commissioned by Russian Roadways Group (SC Avtodor). The contract value was RUB19.266 billion (including VAT). The overhaul of the motorway at the Voronezh bypass was the first phase of contract implementation. The project's second and third phases, envisioning maintenance and scheduled repair of the roadway, will be delivered during 16 years following commissioning.

Previously, the section was among the most challenging and narrow parts of the M-4 “Don” roadway. After the overhaul, both capacity and safety were improved on the section, delivering an uninterrupted flow of transit motor transport along the M-4 “Don”. As part of the project the road was expanded from two/three lanes to as many as six, with overhauling of the old auto bridge and construction of a new bridge over the Voronezh River, each reaching the length of 360 m, while seven transport interchanges were created with various heights, including one of three levels. During the works, Transstroymekhanisatsiya specialists used modern machinery and equipment: mobile high-capacity asphalt-cement and concrete-cement factories, black-top pavers with tracing system for paving coating layers, road-building machinery and state-of-the-art levelers. This allowed for greatly expediting the working pace, increasing work output and achieving enhanced wear-resistance of the roadbed and bridge structures. Transstroymekhanisatsiya initiated a number of changes to the project involving the use of more efficient, long-lasting and innovative materials and structures, which will subsequently allow for low operating costs.

The construction works were carried out with the provision of year-round, 24-hour uninterrupted auto traffic along the existing roadway.

The commissioning of the overhauled section of the M-4 “Don” highway ensured uninterrupted auto traffic along the M-4 “Don” from Moscow towards Southern Russia, bypassing Voronezh, as well as considerably increasing capacity on this roadway section.

The federal M-4 “Don” motorway Moscow - Voronezh - Rostov-on-Don - Krasnodar - Novorossiysk connects the central and northern regions of European Russia with the North Caucasus, Black Sea coast and Novorossiysk port. The road is under the fiduciary management of state-run Avtodor. Total length of the roadway exceeds 1500 km. In 2011, after the overhaul and construction of new sections bypassing population centers, the M-4 “Don” became a four-lane highway along the entire distance from Moscow to Voronezh. The section bypassing Voronezh runs through the territories of Ramonsky and Novousmansky municipal districts of Voronezh Region and the Voronezh urban district.