Russia's May holidays trigger record highway traffic jams and congestion
Russia's May holidays trigger record highway traffic jams and congestion
Russia's May holidays trigger record highway traffic jams and congestion
Russia’s highways saw a sharp rise in traffic during the May holidays. Drivers flocked to southern regions, causing congestion on major routes. Popular destinations included the M-4 Don and the A-289 Krasnodar–Kerch highway, both experiencing record-breaking demand.
The busiest day arrived on April 30, when the A-289 recorded around 21,000 trips. Throughout the May holidays, the same route maintained an average of 17,000 daily journeys. This surge reflected a broader trend of increased road travel during vacations and long weekends.
On the M-4 Don, the heaviest traffic appeared in Moscow Oblast. A single day saw over 56,000 trips logged, making it one of the most congested stretches. Drivers often chose high-speed routes to reach their destinations faster. Traffic spikes were most noticeable before long weekends and again at their close. Many motorists aimed to maximise their time away, leading to packed roads at predictable intervals.
The May holidays confirmed road travel’s growing appeal in Russia. Highways to southern regions, particularly the M-4 Don and A-289, bore the brunt of the demand. These routes remain critical for holidaymakers seeking quick access to popular destinations.