General Manager of The Directorate for Development of Transport Infrastructure of Saint-Petersburg and Leningrad Region Mr. Kyrill Polyakov, President of The Committee for Development of Transport Infrastructure of Saint-Petersburg Mr. Sergey Harlashkin, Seniour Vice President of VTB Mr. Yuri Molchanov and top managers of the companies involved in financing and construction of the highway attended the inspection.
During the inspection, the Transport Minister Mr. M. Sokolov climbed the 125-meters tall pylon of the Bridge across Korabelny Fairway to control the final phase of the superstructure installation. By now, all piers of the highway, which is 100% built on artificial structures, have been constructed. The installation of superstructures is nearly over at most of the sections; such works as carriageway slab concreting, asphalt laying, installation of cables and lighting systems are underway. Central decks and stay-cable systems are being installed on cable-stayed bridges. The estimated overall completion of the Project is over 87%.
These days, more than four thousand people and over 200 construction machines are involved in the construction works at the ten sites of the highway in four districts of Saint-Petersburg.
Among construction matters, the Minister discussed with the visit participants the experience of operation of the North and South Sections of the Highway, which currently operate in toll mode. The achieved figures of distribution of electronic means of toll payment attracted special attention of the Minister. At present, more than half of the highway fares are paid with transponders, which helps to prevent discomfort of traffic at toll plazas, despite the 4 mln vehicles using the highway every month.
Summarizing the inspection, Mr. Sokolov expressed his hope that the Object would be completed in time and with high quality of performance.
