The Leningrad - Petrozavodsk - Murmansk highway is one of the northernmost federal highways in Russia. It partially lies beyond the Arctic Circle and goes to the border with Norway. The road connected two ports in the North-West of Russia - in Leningrad and Murmansk.
Until the middle of the 20th century, communication between Leningrad, Petrozavodsk and Murmansk was carried out only on dirt roads. The decision to build a highway was made in 1958. At the same time, design and survey work began.
In 1960, survey work began on the Zasheek - Monchegorsk section. Working drawings were developed in 1960-1963. In 1965, the Zasheek - Monchegorsk highway was put into operation.
In 1967 - 1970, surveys were carried out at the Monchegorsk - Murmansk section and a design assignment was drawn up. The site was put into operation.
The main difficulties in the design of the route were the presence of Yolde clay in many areas and the absence of access and roadside roads.
