Russia's M4 Don Highway faces two years of major roadworks and traffic chaos

Major roadworks are set to disrupt traffic on Russia's M4 Don Highway over the next two years. A series of repairs and temporary restrictions will affect lorries and motorists near Gelendzhik and between Goryachy Klyuch and Dzhubga. Authorities have announced phased closures and traffic light controls to manage the construction. From 1 April to 6 June 2026, a 5-kilometre section of the M4 Don Highway near Gelendzhik will operate under a temporary system. Reversible lanes and traffic lights will be introduced, dividing the road into 300–500 metre segments. The measures aim to maintain traffic flow while crews carry out pavement repairs, restore kerbs, and install reinforced concrete barriers.

Later in the year, **from 30 April to 13 September 2026**, heavier restrictions will apply on the Goryachy Klyuch–Dzhubga stretch. Lorries weighing over 15 tonnes will be banned on **Fridays, weekends, and public holidays between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM**. Outside these hours and on weekdays, trucks may travel freely. The same section will face a longer ban in **2026, running from 1 April to 30 October**, though details on daily restrictions for that period have not yet been specified. The traffic light system will also extend to the **1,531–1,536 kilometre stretch** of the M4 in both directions during the works.

The phased restrictions and traffic controls are designed to minimise delays while essential upgrades take place. Drivers, particularly hauliers, will need to plan alternative routes during peak periods. Authorities have not yet announced further details on potential diversions or extended timelines.