Significant traffic congestion and road closures are currently affecting St. Petersburg, Russia, impacting both the city center and major highways. The unexpected surge in traffic is causing considerable disruption for commuters and travelers.

Several key routes are experiencing closures, including Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Only public transportation is currently permitted on this section of road, specifically from Vosstaniya Square to Palace Square.

Other areas affected by closures include Palace Passage and Bridge, Admiralteyskaya Embankment, Admiralteysky Prospekt, Malaya and Bolshaya Morskaya Streets, Gorokhovaya Street, Voznesensky Prospekt, and a portion of Izmailovsky Prospekt. These closures are contributing to gridlock across the city center.

Furthermore, the Southern section of the Western High-Speed Diameter (WHSD) and the Ring Road in the southern part of the city are also reportedly closed. This has resulted in a 7-kilometer traffic jam on the inner ring road, extending from the cable-stayed bridge towards the Moscow highway. Significant delays are also reported on Moscow and Tallinn highways, as well as on Dachny Prospekt towards the Ring Road.

Overall road congestion in St. Petersburg has reached 5 points, a level significantly higher than the typical 3 points expected for this time on a Friday evening. The cause of the widespread closures and increased traffic remains unclear.