The Moscow region plans to spend 700 million rubles on the “reconstruction” of a road near the Losiny Ostrov (Elk Island) National Park in Korolev. The project has sparked controversy among local residents and environmental activists.

The Moscow Regional Directorate of Road Construction announced the tender for the project, which involves renovating a kilometer of the Vodoprovodnaya Alley roadway, 370 meters of Kaliningradskaya Street, and 180 meters of Kommunalnaya Street. The plans also include the construction of a 950-meter bicycle path, sidewalks, and the replacement and installation of traffic lights.

However, residents have expressed confusion and opposition, questioning the need for reconstruction where they claim no road currently exists. They argue that the project is an attempt to build a new road through a forest area, potentially impacting the Losiny Ostrov National Park.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on traffic congestion, with residents noting that existing routes are already heavily congested.

The planned road section resembles a portion of a controversial backup road project that was discussed in 2023. The project involved constructing an exit from the M-8 Kholmogory highway through the Losiny Ostrov National Park.

Academics have previously voiced their opposition to the backup road project, emphasizing the potential harm to the protected natural area. Local activists have also consistently protested against any construction within the park’s boundaries.

In December 2024, Moscow authorities issued a decree altering the status of numerous parks, removing their designation as specially protected natural areas, except for Losiny Ostrov, thus raising concerns about potential construction activities in green spaces.