LIFE tested the new R-280 highway

The new route R-280 Novorossiya has become a key artery of the overland route from anywhere in Russia to Crimea. It runs along the coast of the Sea of Azov, connecting Rostov-on-Don, Mariupol, Berdyansk, Melitopol, Genichesk and Dzhankoy. The LIFE correspondent set off on a "New Road" to check how convenient and safe it had become.

Major pavement repairs, modern lighting, new interchanges and high—speed transfer lanes are planned for the updated sections of the highway. The capacity has reached 25,000 vehicles per day. From the border to Mariupol, the road has been expanded to four lanes, and beyond that it is still two—lane, but even here the asphalt is smooth, traffic is non-stop.

"To be honest, it was the road that struck me the most. Everything was done quickly and efficiently: you drive and realize that the journey is already part of the rest," says one of the heroines of the film.

Each settlement along the route keeps its own history, and many of them are surprising at the speed of recovery.

Mariupol was in ruins until recently, but now the restored streets and architectural quarters are open for walking again. The usual myths were also refuted here. "It's nice to come here to relax, sit with coffee. I always advise you to try Greek chebureks," says Ekaterina Kutepova, a resident of Mariupol.

Berdyansk is an ideal place for fans of extreme sports: sap surfing, wind surfing and kite surfing. "The Sea of Azov is interesting because we have any wind direction. It is a peaceful city where sports enthusiasts often come. We don't have jellyfish and corals, the only disadvantage is the short season," says local resident Nikolai Mezentsev, along with the fact that the city, despite general concerns, is peaceful and attracts mainly those who are drawn to extreme sports.

Genichesk has been called a real gastronomic center: it is famous for dried flounder, gobies and shrimps. For many tourists, this is a mandatory stop on their way to Crimea.

Along the R-280 there are 66 gas stations, 12 gas stations, more than 30 shops and about 50 cafes. Traditional southern Russian dishes are prepared here, from kebabs to "home—cooked dinners". There are four motels, most of the points accept Mir cards and transfers via the SBP.

Russian telecom operators are confidently working on the highway, sometimes Crimean ones are connected. In some areas, there may be temporary Internet restrictions, so correspondents advise downloading offline maps in advance - GPS and GLONASS are working stably.

The main checkpoints are located in Vesely-Voznesenka and Dzhankoy. There are minimal checks at the entrance, a full search is possible at the exit, and the average wait is from 30 minutes to two hours. But in the film, the characters note that the military at the posts are loyal to tourists, especially those who are heading to the Crimea.

The Rostov-on-Don–Simferopol land corridor along the R-280 is about 640 km. Travel time is 9-9.5 hours, which is an hour and a half longer than crossing the Crimean Bridge. But, unlike the alternative, here a significant part of the route goes along the sea. The velvet season makes the trip especially pleasant: the mild climate, calm beaches and picturesque views accompany almost the entire journey.

The R-280 Novorossiya has ceased to be an ordinary road. This is a route that combines the speed of recovery, ease of movement and cultural diversity. For residents it is a symbol of change, for tourists it is a new way to discover the Azov coast.