Regional differences in «Kolyma» federal highway functioning and settlement systems in adjacent territories

Abstract

<jats:p>The article presents the results of expedition research in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Magadan region. The current state of the Kolyma Federal highway is analyzed both in terms of technical characteristics (type of pavement, speed of movement, level of vehicle vibrations when driving) and in terms of traffic flows (their volume and structure). It is noted that the highway plays an important role in servicing the transport needs of the population and business of these regions, which affects the state and development of settlements that gravitate to the highway. Heterogeneity in the load on the Yakut and Magadan sections of the route is indicated and the factors of its occurrence are explained. There is negative population dynamics of the main types of settlements located in the zone of influence of the route, determined the reasons of transformation of the existing system of settlement and prospects of development of the study area, identifies the reasons for the differences in transformation processes in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Magadan region. The main factors of differentiation of the Yakut and Magadan segments of the Kolyma highway are identified, among which natural, economic and socio-cultural factors are noted. Two potential scenarios for further development of these regions are considered: the transition of the existing settlement system to shift development or its preservation. The main conclusions are supported by statistical information and materials of expedition research.</jats:p>