Western Rapid Diameter

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Western High-Speed Diameter (Russian: Западный скоростной диаметр, abbreviated ЗСД, ZSD) is a toll motorway in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The only segment of the road open to traffic is an eight-lane motorway connecting the southern segment of the A118 beltway with two junctions at the Kirovsky and Moskovsky Districts, respectively. Another segments of the highway are currently under construction and will eventually form a corridor through the western districts of St Petersburg to cross the northern portion of the A118 beltway in Yuntolovo and to meet the E-18/M-10 route at the Beloostrov junction. A new 4-km-long section of the highway is slated to open in late 2011.[1] It will connect the northern terminus of the currently open segment with the industrial western part of the Kirovsky district which hosts the port of St Petersburg. A 25-km-long section running from Beloostrov to the Primorsky District is scheduled to open in late 2012.[1] The overall length of the Western High-Speed Diameter highway is projected at 47 km upon the scheduled completion in 2013 - 2014.[1] The current rate for passenger cars and other two axle vehicles is 30 rubles, with higher rates for vehicles with more axles.[1] A discount is given during the overnight hours (11 pm - 7 am) and for the vehicles equipped with a transponder.

Environmental Impact

A part of the toll highway will run near Yuntolovo Nature Preserve at the northern outskirts of St Petersburg. From the beginning, the road construction project has caused significant concerns from public regarding a negative impact on the ecology of the preserve, as well as an issue of possible rezoning of the natural preserve's sections for commercial and residential development.[2] The concerned citizens have formed a movement to save the forest and swampland of the natural preserve from debilitating construction projects along the path of the new highway.[3]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "FAQ on Western High-Speed Diameter". Official Website of the Western High-Speed Diameter Project. August 1, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.  (Russian)
  2. ↑ Kamchev, Boris (August 22, 2008), "Environmental Groups Picket Toll Highway", The St. Peterburg Times, retrieved October 3, 2011 
  3. ↑ Ponomareva, Vera (May 18, 2008). "Western High-Speed Diameter: Strategic Risks of a Strategic Project". NGO Issue Paper for Annual Meeting of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development / European Investment Bank. Retrieved October 3, 2011. 

External links

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