Ice winter roads and crossings work evaluation in the regions of the Far North

Abstract

This article evaluates the work of ice winter roads and ice crossings on the roads of the Far North. An analysis is made of the transport and performance characteristics of seasonal routes and their impact on the transport network and socio-economic development of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Limiting development factors and priority areas for improving the transport network of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the transport hub of the Arctic zone of the Far Eastern Federal District is identified, which is a strategically important issue in making managerial and geopolitical decisions. The purpose of the study of seasonal traffic routes on roads is to form a database for the subsequent increase in transport accessibility in the regions of the Far North and the formation of a stable, ensuring uninterrupted transport connection in the transport hub of the Arctic zone of the Far Eastern Federal District. The transport link will make it possible to freely pass traffic flows on sections of roads with seasonal communication routes with minimal transport and time costs. The objectives of this study are to assess the operation of ice winter roads and crossings, identify constraints to development and identify priority areas for the development of the transport network. The road network of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is the central transport hub in the Arctic zone of the Far Eastern Federal District with access to neighboring regions (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Irkutsk Region, Amur Region, Magadan Region, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) through which transit freight and passenger transportation are carried out. The uninterrupted functioning of traffic flows both within the republic and transit flows of neighboring entities in the republic is limited in the off-season, due to seasonal routes of communication. During transitional periods, the movement of vehicles is suspended on approximately 70 % of the roads of the republic. The considered options for the development of the transport network of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the transport hub of the Far Eastern Federal District should take into account the seasonality of transport links and the specifics of the region. The targets specified in the Strategy for the Development of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Ensuring National Security until 2035, taking into account the specifics of the region, will achieve the development of trunk and transit roads in the Arctic zone of the Far Eastern Federal District and the Russian Federation as a whole.