As the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War approaches, cities across Russia are preparing for a series of commemorative events that will temporarily disrupt traffic. In Omsk, significant road closures will begin on May 7, 2025, leading up to the main celebrations on May 9. The city’s administration has announced that streets will be blocked to ensure the safety and smooth execution of festivities.
Starting on May 7, from 19:30 until midnight, travel will be prohibited on Lenina Street from Internatsionalnaya Street to Pobedy Square, which includes Sobornaya Square. Additional closures will also affect Krasny Put and Ordzhonikidze from Frunze to Internatsionalnaya, as well as Internatsionalnaya from Krasny Put to Herzen. These measures aim to facilitate preparations for the upcoming celebrations.
On May 9, the situation will intensify with more extensive restrictions. From 7:00 to 9:00, closures will include Krasny Put and Ordzhonikidze from Frunze to Internatsionalnaya, Lenina from Internatsionalnaya to Partizanskaya, Gertsena from Internatsionalnaya to Pobedy Square, and Internatsionalnaya from Krasny Put to Gertsena. Then, from 9:00 to 16:00, further restrictions will be implemented on various streets, including Krasny Put from Kemerovskaya to Internatsionalnaya, and Frunze from Ordzhonikidze to the 60th Anniversary of Victory bridge. The closures will continue throughout the day, culminating in a final block from 16:00 to 20:00 on Lenina Street.
Meanwhile, in the Vsevolozhsk region, similar traffic disruptions are set to occur. The celebrations will require temporary road closures on May 7 and May 9, 2025. The first major event, the 'Relay Race of Eternal Flame', will take place on May 7 from 9:30 to 13:30. During this time, traffic will be restricted on the section km 0+055 – km 0+200 of the road leading to the village of Kokkorevo, as the relay race proceeds from the 'Razorvannoye Koltso' memorial to the 'Tsvetok Zhizni' monument.
On May 9, additional traffic restrictions will be enforced in Vsevolozhsk from 11:00 to 12:00, affecting two key road sections: km 39+755 – km 41+030 of the SPb – Zavod im. Sverdlova road and km 9+549 – km 10+012 of the SPb – Morie road. In Toksovo, traffic will be limited from 11:00 to 11:45 on two sections of the road, while Bugry will see restrictions from 11:30 to 12:00 and again from 12:40 to 13:10 on another section. These closures are designed to ensure public safety during the commemorative events.
In Chita, the village of Vostochny will also experience road closures on May 6, 2025, to facilitate a light athletics relay race honoring Hero of the Soviet Union, Nazar Gubin. The event will block traffic from 11:40 to 12:50 along a designated route, which includes Mira Street from Gaydara to Irkutskaya, Irkutskaya Street from Mira to Nazar Gubina, and others. This relay is part of a broader initiative to commemorate Gubin, a respected figure who fought bravely during the Great Patriotic War.
Nazar Petrovich Gubin, who worked as a miner and served in the army, is celebrated for his heroic acts during World War II. Drafted in 1939, he served as an air gunner-radio operator and participated in crucial missions against enemy forces. He was posthumously awarded the Order of Lenin for his bravery, and his legacy continues to be honored through events like the upcoming relay race.
These road closures and commemorative events reflect the significance of the Victory Day celebrations across Russia. As cities prepare to honor the sacrifices made during the Great Patriotic War, residents are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. With various activities scheduled, including parades and memorial services, public transportation will be utilized to help people return home safely after the festivities.
As the nation gears up for these important observances, the anticipation is palpable. The streets will be filled with memories, honoring those who fought for their homeland and ensuring that their legacy remains alive in the hearts of future generations. This year’s celebrations promise to be particularly poignant, marking not only a historical milestone but also a moment of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made during one of history's most significant conflicts.
For those in Omsk, Vsevolozhsk, and Chita, the upcoming days will be a time to come together as communities, remembering the past while looking forward to a future of peace and unity. As the festivities unfold, it’s essential to respect the road closures and participate in the events that pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who came before us.