"I think that at a rough estimate the regional GDP will increase by 1-2 percent for sure just due to the launch of the Tavrida highway and the bridge. Logistics and infrastructure are inevitably pushing the economy forward, become the engine. A positive effect is guaranteed," Nikitchenko said.
A bridge crossing the Kerch Strait to connect the Crimean peninsula with mainland Russia was proposed by the Russia government to be constructed by 2018-2020. It will include a highway with four lanes of traffic, as well as a two-track railway. The length of the crossing will be about 19 kilometers (11.8 miles).
Crimea, Russia's historical southern region, seceded from Ukraine to rejoin Russia in March 2014. In August 2014, the Russian government approved the Federal Targeted Program Social and Economic Development for Crimea and Sevastopol Until 2020, allocating 681 billion rubles ($10.6 billion). The program aims at dynamic development of the region, its transport and social infrastructure, as well as improving the quality of people’s life.
