ST. PETERSBURG (Sputnik) — The Leningrad Region is preparing to start the implementation of the Ust-Luga-Kirishi-Tikhvin motorway investment project as part of the transport link between Europe and Western China, the press service of the Leningrad Region's government reported.
"The agreement on the project was signed at the Sochi-2015 International Investment Forum by Governor of the Leningrad Region Alexander Drozdenko and Alexander Shimanov, Director General of Avtostrada Severo-Zapad," the press service said.
According to Mr Drozdenko, the Leningrad Region has a unique geographical location, being a strategic transport and transit region both within Russia and for Europe and Asia.
"In this respect, the new motorway project will give us more opportunities for transit and will encourage the development of the local economy," he said.
The governor said the business plan for the project has been completed, and the route's location has been drafted for the Leningrad and Novgorod regions. The motorway section is expected to be 486 or 433 km long depending on the route option. The project documentation will also have to be prepared.
Avtostrada Severo-Zapad, a subsidiary of the SMP-Neftegaz company, was established in 2012. It is the building contractor of the Europe-Western China transport corridor in the Leningrad and Novgorod regions. The company specializes in building motorways, railways and landing strips for aerodromes.
