Getting connected: new $200 million bridge 'brings Arctic closer'

A new bridge just opened is crucial to improving communication links in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District, which includes the Yamal Peninsula, home to the world's largest natural gas reserves. 

For now the bridges offers a road link, but later a rail connection will be opened. This will be a key link on the new 707 kilometre railway connecting  eastern and western part of the region through Salekhard and Nadym.

The Nadym River is a tributary of the giant Ob River. Acting governor Dmitryi Kobylkin said: 'Believe me, opening a road bridge over Nadym River means the Arctic is much closer. 

'The Northern route will encourage the revival of Northern Sea Soute. Yamal will stay connected to other Russian regions all year long.'

Igor Kholmanskykh, the Russian presidential representative in the Ural Federal District, said: 'This bridge will landmark - the beginning of a great construction site of our country. It is the first Ural's contribution in creating the Northern [Latitude] route. 

'The road will become the key for the development and transportation of massive Arctic deposits for the benefit of the people. It is a transport artery connecting Yamal to Central Russia. It will reduce transportation time.'

The bridge is 13,00 metres long, and will transport up to 3,000 cars a day.