So, the “Baltia” track, popularly called “New Riga”. According to the Russian designation M-9, and it is also part of the European route with the designation E-22. The proximity of the capital, a role model for other areas in terms of the road device? Do not flatter yourself!
Entrance from the capital to the urban settlement Shakhovskaya. The simplest intersection and pedestrian crossing with a traffic light switch button “on demand”.
Highway M-9
Traffic light with eternal number on a digital display. Traffic light with eternal number on a digital display.
Drivers can clearly see the green signal and the number four.
Highway M-9
If pedestrians switch the mode, no seconds are needed. Let only green light. If pedestrians switch the mode, no seconds are needed. Let only green light.
The one who is traveling here for the first time will understand the hint unambiguously: before switching to the inhibit signal, there are four seconds left, it would be necessary to slow down. And it will be wrong, for nothing will happen. The New Riga regulars know that the number “4” together with the green has been stubbornly burning at this traffic light since at least spring. I personally found a red light here only once during the whole summer, and I go to the Baltic every weekend. There is an incorrect operation of the traffic light. More precisely, its middle section, included in the digital display mode. Is it really difficult to set the traffic light to normal mode for half a year without a countdown or switch to flashing yellow?
A little further towards the capital there is another noticeable place. Why is sign 2.1 “Main road” with a sign 8.13 “Direction of the main road” installed on the straight section? A turn somewhere far away? I do not see.
Highway M-9
The road is perceived as straight. The road is perceived as straight.
Yes, here he is, very close, in the pit!
Highway M-9
In fact, there is a sharp turn in the lowland, and in front of it there is an adjoining village street. In fact, there is a sharp turn in the lowland, and in front of it there is an adjoining village street.
Please note that the second set of signs is already installed behind the inflection of the roadway and the plate shows a completely different configuration. Where, sorry, uniformity? Not only that, there is still the end of the broken line of markings and the prohibition of overtaking. Skipping the first sign, overtaking the truck, is easy. And then … either try to get into the turn of the highway, or go in a straight line to the Central Street of the Nazarevo village and slow down there. It is clear that they tried to designate the intersection as they knew how, but it turned out rather slurred. My would, prohibition of overtaking would establish much earlier. And in its place, either sign 1.11.2 "Dangerous turn" or "Main road" with a configuration plate and a plate with the distance to the turn! The main street of the Nazaryev village from the car’s cabin looks very much like a direct highway without junction.
On the section from Volokolamsk to Moscow, the M-9 Baltia road turns into a highway with all the ensuing consequences. The green background of the signs and the yellow marking lines 1.4 make it clear - there is a stop on the side of the road, and moreover, parking is prohibited. And, excuse me, where are they, equipped places for rest? There are few such oases that should be on the highway, but it is full of paved areas of unknown purpose and even parking lots, the entrance to which is blocked by concrete slabs. Open soon? We are waiting since spring, the repair of the highway has long been completed.
Highway M-9
Highway. Parking is blocked. Highway. Parking is blocked.
The surprises do not end there - there is a fun alternative for relaxation. Exactly behind the marking line prohibiting stopping, the indicated section is full of arbors. There is no reason to believe that they are for backpackers. So touching and well-groomed. A table, seats, a canopy beckon - stop, rest, have a bite.
Highway M-9
But in places where the stop is prohibited, there are gazebos for relaxation. But in places where the stop is prohibited, there are gazebos for relaxation.
And the people provoked by the equipment of the route massively violate - park cars on the side of the highway. And not only for the sake of a short stop, but also to go mushrooming into the forest.
Highway M-9
It is often parked in violation of the rules. Since the gazebo, then you can? It is often parked in violation of the rules. Since the gazebo, then you can?