Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Transport said that 2012 marked another milestone in Russia’s efforts to build a modern road network. According to Mr Sokolov, many road infrastructure facilities were commissioned in 2012, including some of national and strategic importance.
The Minister of Transport said that regional road funds became operational in 2012, and total spending on road-building in the regions was 655 billion roubles, a 50% increase from 2011.
According to Mr Sokolov, increasing the number of roads in Russia by 2022 is a major challenge for the Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor) in 2013 and beyond. In addition, together with the Ministry of the Interior, the Emergencies Ministry and the Ministry of Regional Development, Rosavtodor will keep working to make Russian roads safe.
Mr Sokolov emphasised the need to complete road construction in time for the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.