On April 16, 2025, Moscow experienced severe traffic disruptions as major roads were blocked, causing confusion and frustration among drivers. Starting around 3:00 PM, the city was engulfed in kilometer-long traffic jams, particularly around key areas such as the Kursky railway station and the Kremlin.
According to reports, the traffic density was estimated at 7 points by the city department, while Yandex.Maps indicated a staggering 9 points, with the average speed of vehicles dropping to just 27 km/h. This situation was unusual for a Wednesday, as Moscow typically faces heavy congestion on Fridays due to shorter workdays.
Drivers found themselves stuck in long lines, with many expressing their disbelief at the sudden road closures. "Every ten meters, there is a police officer," reported a reader from MSK1.RU, highlighting the heavy police presence around the Sadovoe Ring. The traffic collapse was so severe that one observer humorously noted that the administrator of a popular channel managed to "exceed the daily rate of work" while waiting in the jam.
The most significant bottlenecks were reported near the Kursky railway station, where the interchange to Zemlyanoy Val was completely blocked towards Krasnye Vorota. Similar conditions were noted at Smolenskaya and near the Kremlin, where traffic was impeded across the Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge towards Mokhovaya.
As drivers struggled to navigate the city, pedestrians took advantage of the halted traffic, crossing streets wherever they pleased. "Pedestrians are already crossing Sadovoe Ring wherever they want," one frustrated driver commented, noting the unusual scene of people walking freely in the middle of the road.
Adding to the chaos, President Vladimir Putin was visiting Bauman Moscow State Technical University on the same day, where he was scheduled to hold a meeting on the development of space nuclear energy. The lack of official communication regarding the road closures from the Department of Transport only fueled further confusion among motorists. Instead, the department described the situation as simply "intense traffic."
Drivers caught in the gridlock shared their frustrations on social media, with one lamenting, "I will not get home before nine o'clock in the evening. I had so many plans." Another driver, stuck on the Moskvoretskaya embankment for over an hour, described it as a "terrible day" due to the traffic jam.
In addition to the ongoing disruptions, the city is preparing for another round of traffic restrictions on April 19, 2025, due to a tram parade. The Southern Administrative District will see road closures on Shabolovka, Serpukhovsky Val, and Danilovsky Val, with access blocked for up to ten minutes during the event. This announcement from the city’s Department of Transport highlights a continued trend of significant traffic management challenges in Moscow.
As the city grapples with these disruptions, many are left wondering about the efficacy of communication from transport authorities and the planning of events that impact daily commutes. With the weather being pleasant, some have suggested that walking or using public transportation might be the best alternatives for navigating the congested city.
In light of the recent events, the residents of Moscow are left to ponder the reasons behind such extensive road closures and the impact on their daily lives. As the city prepares for the tram parade, it remains to be seen how authorities will address the ongoing traffic management issues and improve communication with the public.
