Traffic jams in Moscow on Wednesday evening reached 3,200 km, which is equal to the distance between the Russian capital and Spain's Barcelona, an analyst at the Yandex.Probki online traffic portal told RIA Novosti.
Heavy snow and strong winds have added to the usual pre-New Year traffic chaos.
"The traffic jams on Moscow's roads have been growing incessantly since 7 am. There was no usual slowdown after the morning rush hour," an analyst said.
Since mid-December, Muscovites have been rushing to shopping malls to buy New Year gifts. People from neighboring towns and regions also arrive in the capital to shop.
New Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has pledged to eliminate Moscow's traffic jams. President Dmitry Medvedev has said he will personally oversee efforts.
MOSCOW, December 29 (RIA Novosti)
