Russia’s key bridge link for Kerch Strait

Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has said that the Kerch Bridge now looks likely to open to traffic in December 2018. In addition to the bridge, the highway connections should also be complete within the same timeline. The Kerch Strait bridge crossing is of key importance to the area and will help reduce journey times for drivers, as well as reducing transport costs considerably. Construction has not been without its challenges due in part to the fierce winter conditions.

This is not the first bridge to be built over the Kerch Strait but is likely to be rather more long lasting than its predecessor. A temporary crossing over the Kerch Strait was constructed during WWII by the military but this was damaged by ice floes during winter and was then demolished and removed.