On May 9, 2025, cities across Russia will observe Victory Day with various celebrations, leading to significant traffic disruptions and road closures in multiple regions. The day commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, and local authorities have implemented extensive measures to accommodate the festivities.
In the 47th region, which encompasses Leningrad Oblast, specific roads will be closed for the celebrations. Traffic will be halted on the 'St. Petersburg – Sverdlov Plant' road from 11:00 to 12:00, particularly between the 39th and 41st kilometers. Additionally, restrictions will apply on the highway leading to the sea from the 9th to the 10th kilometer during the same timeframe. The 'Peterhof – Keikino' highway will also see closures at the 23rd kilometer due to the 'Immortal Regiment' procession, a significant event honoring veterans.
Access to Kolokolnaya Gora will be restricted from the zero to the first kilometer, and further traffic limitations will be in place on the 'Access to Toksovo Station' road from 11:00 to 11:45. The 'St. Petersburg – Matoksa' highway will also be affected, with traffic blocked from the 14th to the 16th kilometer during the 'Immortal Regiment' procession. Additional closures will occur on the 'St. Petersburg – Zaporozhskoye – Priozersk' highway from 11:30 to 12:00 and again from 12:40 to 13:10, along with restrictions on the 'Ushkovo – Graviynoye' road from 12:00 to 14:00. Lastly, the 'Strelna – Kipen – Gatchina' highway will be closed from 06:00 to 23:00, and the 'Access to the village of Retselya from the Krasnoye Selo – Gatchina' highway will be blocked from 10:45 to 12:15.
Meanwhile, in Tomsk, part of the central streets will also be closed for the Victory Day celebrations. From 00:00 to 16:00, Lenin Avenue will be closed from Aleksey Belentsa Street to Nakhimova Street, excluding traffic on those streets. Other streets affected include Trifonov Street, Frunze Avenue, Moscow Highway, and several others, with closures extending to various intersections and avenues throughout the city. Notably, Sportivny Lane and Gagarin Street will be closed until 21:00, while Nakhimova Street will face restrictions from 06:00 to 16:00.
In Voronezh, traffic restrictions will begin on May 8, with access to the Chernavsky bridge closed from 11:00 until 01:00 on May 10. On May 9, Revolution Avenue will be blocked from Stepan Razin Street to Pushkin Street, along with multiple other streets in the vicinity. Parking restrictions will also be enforced on various streets, ensuring that the area remains clear for the celebrations. The city plans to alter public transport routes as well, with numerous bus lines being rerouted and trolleybus services suspended.
Chita's public transport will also see changes due to the festivities. Starting from 07:30, trolleybus traffic in the city center will be halted, and alternative routes will be implemented for various bus services. This includes adjustments for trolleybus No. 1 and No. 6, along with several bus routes that will continue to operate under modified schedules.
As cities prepare for the Victory Day celebrations, local authorities are urging residents and visitors to plan their travel accordingly. The extensive road closures and changes to public transport are aimed at ensuring a smooth and respectful observance of this significant national holiday. With events like the 'Immortal Regiment' procession drawing large crowds, the emphasis on safety and accessibility is paramount.
Residents are encouraged to take public transport where possible, as many streets will be closed to vehicles during peak celebration times. Additionally, the use of electric scooters will be prohibited in city centers from the evening of May 8 until the morning of May 10, adding another layer of traffic management to the festivities.
Victory Day stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war, and the observances planned across these cities reflect a deep respect for history and those who served. While the closures may pose some inconvenience, they are a vital part of honoring the legacy of the Great Patriotic War and ensuring that the celebrations are conducted with the dignity they deserve.
In summary, as May 9 approaches, residents in Leningrad Oblast, Tomsk, Voronezh, and Chita should remain informed about the traffic restrictions and plan their routes ahead of time to participate in the commemorative events without disruption. The day promises to be filled with remembrance, pride, and community spirit as the nation unites to celebrate its history.
