The Leningrad - Petrozavodsk - Murmansk highway is one of the northernmost federal highways in Russia, partly 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. Design and survey work began this year.
In 1962 - 1963, a design assignment was developed and approved for the Segezha - Kem section. In 1967 - 1970, surveys were carried out and working drawings were prepared.
In 1965 - 1966, surveys were carried out at the Kem - Loukhi section. In 1966, the design assignment was approved. In 1967 - 1970, surveys were carried out and working drawings were developed.
In 1964, the design assignment for the Loukhi - Kandalaksha section was approved. In 1967 - 1970, surveys and development of working drawings were carried out.
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.
