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Crimean Bridge Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Crimean Bridge: Construction, Geopolitics, and Impact

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The Crimean Bridge: Construction, Geopolitics, and Impact Study Guide

Overview and Design Specifications

The Crimean Bridge is a single-purpose structure designed exclusively for railway traffic across the Kerch Strait.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge is a dual-purpose structure, accommodating both a four-lane road bridge and a double-track railway bridge.

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With a total length of 19 kilometers, the Crimean Bridge is recognized as the longest bridge ever constructed by Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge, with a total length of 19 kilometers, holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Europe and the longest ever constructed by Russia.

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The official name 'Crimean Bridge' was chosen through a government decree without public input.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official name 'Crimean Bridge' was selected through an online public vote conducted in December 2017.

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The final design of the Crimean Bridge features a single double-deck structure for both road and rail traffic.

Answer: False

Explanation: The final design of the Crimean Bridge features two continuous parallel structures: a four-lane road bridge and a separate double-track railway bridge, not a single double-deck structure.

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The railroad bridge component of the Crimean Bridge is shorter than the road bridge component.

Answer: False

Explanation: The railroad bridge component is 18.1 kilometers long, while the road bridge component is 16.9 kilometers long, making the railroad bridge longer.

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The Crimean Bridge's road section has 4 lanes, and its rail section has 2 tracks.

Answer: True

Explanation: The road bridge of the Crimean Bridge indeed has 4 lanes for vehicle traffic, and the rail bridge features 2 tracks for railway transport.

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The railway section of the Crimean Bridge uses a standard European track gauge.

Answer: False

Explanation: The railway section of the Crimean Bridge utilizes Russian gauge track, not a standard European track gauge.

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The Crimean Bridge replaced the Kerch railway bridge and the Kerch Strait ferry line as primary transportation links.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge indeed replaced the Kerch railway bridge and the Kerch Strait ferry line as the primary transportation links across the strait.

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The design of the rail bridge requires significant rebuilding to install an overhead railway electrification system in the future.

Answer: False

Explanation: The design of the rail bridge specifically allows for the future installation of an overhead railway electrification system without requiring any rebuilding of existing structures.

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The Crimean Bridge is owned by a consortium of Russian and Ukrainian private companies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge is owned by the Government of Russia, not a consortium of private companies.

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What is the primary function of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: To function as a dual-purpose structure for both road and railway traffic.

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge serves as a dual-purpose structure, accommodating both a four-lane road bridge and a double-track railway bridge across the Kerch Strait.

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What record does the Crimean Bridge hold regarding its length?

Answer: It is the longest bridge in Europe and the longest bridge ever constructed by Russia.

Explanation: With a total length of 19 kilometers, the Crimean Bridge is recognized as the longest bridge in Europe and the longest bridge ever constructed by Russia.

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How was the official name 'Crimean Bridge' chosen?

Answer: It was selected through an online public vote.

Explanation: The official name 'Crimean Bridge' was chosen through an online public vote conducted in December 2017.

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What is the length of the railroad bridge component of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: 18.1 kilometers (11 1/4 miles)

Explanation: The railroad bridge component of the Crimean Bridge has a length of 18.1 kilometers (11 1/4 miles).

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How many lanes does the road bridge of the Crimean Bridge have?

Answer: Four lanes

Explanation: The road bridge of the Crimean Bridge has 4 lanes for vehicle traffic.

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What track gauge is used for the railway section of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: Russian gauge

Explanation: The railway section of the Crimean Bridge utilizes Russian gauge track.

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Who owns the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: The Government of Russia

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge is owned by the Government of Russia.

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What highway and railway does the Crimean Bridge carry?

Answer: A 290 highway (E97) and Bagerovo–Vyshestebliyevskaya railway

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge carries the A 290 highway (European route E97) and the Bagerovo–Vyshestebliyevskaya railway.

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Historical Context and Early Proposals

During World War II, Germany's Organisation Todt successfully completed a combined road and railway bridge across the Kerch Strait.

Answer: False

Explanation: Germany's Organisation Todt began construction of a combined road and railway bridge during World War II, but retreating German forces destroyed the finished parts before its completion.

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The Kharkiv Pact of 2010 was an agreement between Ukrainian and Russian Presidents to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kharkiv Pact, signed in 2010 by Ukrainian and Russian Presidents, included an agreement to construct a bridge across the Kerch Strait.

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The Soviet-constructed railway bridge of 1944-1945 was dismantled due to structural failures caused by an earthquake.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Soviet-constructed railway bridge of 1944-1945 was destroyed by flowing ice in February 1945 due to design and construction errors, not an earthquake.

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Former Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov was a notable advocate for a highway bridge across the Kerch Strait in the post-Soviet era.

Answer: True

Explanation: Former Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov was a vocal advocate for a highway bridge across the Kerch Strait in the post-Soviet era, hoping it would bring the Crimean people closer to Russia.

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Ukraine's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade estimated the Kerch Strait bridge construction would take two years and cost up to $1 billion in early 2014.

Answer: False

Explanation: In early 2014, Ukraine's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade estimated the construction would take five years and cost between US$1.5 billion and $3 billion, not two years and up to $1 billion.

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What was the fate of the 4.5-kilometer railway bridge constructed by the Soviet Union in 1944-1945 across the Kerch Strait?

Answer: It was destroyed by flowing ice in February 1945.

Explanation: The Soviet-constructed railway bridge of 1944-1945 was destroyed by flowing ice in February 1945 due to design and construction errors.

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Which agreement, signed in 2010, involved Ukrainian and Russian Presidents agreeing to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait?

Answer: The Kharkiv Pact

Explanation: The Kharkiv Pact, signed in 2010, was an agreement between Ukrainian and Russian Presidents to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait.

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What was the daily capacity of the ropeway built by Germany's Organisation Todt over the Kerch Strait during World War II?

Answer: 1,000 tonnes

Explanation: The ropeway built by Germany's Organisation Todt over the Kerch Strait during World War II had a daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes.

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What was the proposed clearance below the two-tier combined road-rail bridge ordered by the Soviet government in 1949?

Answer: 40 meters

Explanation: The two-tier combined road-rail bridge ordered by the Soviet government in 1949 was designed to have a 40-meter clearance below.

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Who was a notable advocate for a highway bridge across the Kerch Strait in the post-Soviet era, hoping it would bring the Crimean people closer to Russia?

Answer: Yury Luzhkov

Explanation: Former Moscow mayor Yury Luzhkov was a vocal advocate for a highway bridge across the Kerch Strait in the post-Soviet era.

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Construction Process and Engineering Challenges

Construction of the Crimean Bridge began in February 2016, following Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Answer: True

Explanation: Construction of the Crimean Bridge officially commenced in February 2016, subsequent to Russia's annexation of Crimea in early 2014.

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Stroygazmontazh, the company awarded the construction contract for the Crimean Bridge, had extensive prior experience in large-scale bridge building.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stroygazmontazh, the company awarded the contract, typically constructed pipelines and notably lacked prior experience in large-scale bridge building.

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The construction of the Crimean Bridge faced challenges due to a tectonic fault and numerous mud volcanoes in the Kerch Strait.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kerch Strait is characterized by a tectonic fault and numerous mud volcanoes, posing significant geological challenges that required extensive piling during construction.

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Preliminary work on the Crimean Bridge included the clearance of over 200 World War II-era bombs from the construction area.

Answer: True

Explanation: Preliminary construction work involved the clearance of over 200 World War II-era bombs and several aeroplanes from the construction area.

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An archaeological discovery of a large Greek terracotta statue was made during the bridge's construction, marking a unique finding in the northern Black Sea area.

Answer: True

Explanation: During underwater digging near the Ak-Burun Cape, a part of a large Greek terracotta statue was discovered, which archaeologists consider a unique finding for the northern Black Sea area.

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The maximum water depth at the Crimean Bridge construction site is 30 meters.

Answer: False

Explanation: The maximum water depth at the construction site of the Crimean Bridge reaches up to 9 meters (30 feet), not 30 meters as a maximum.

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The initial design concept for the Crimean Bridge was changed due to the instability of the Tuzla Spit, which made a causeway too risky.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial design concept, which included a causeway on Tuzla Spit, was indeed scrapped due to the instability of the spit, leading to a revised design with two continuous parallel structures.

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The 'Tuzla route' was chosen for the Crimean Bridge because it was the shortest possible route across the Kerch Strait.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Tuzla route' was chosen not because it was the shortest, but to avoid interfering with the operational Kerch Strait ferry line, which shorter routes would have impacted.

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All road pillars and spans of the Crimean Bridge were completed by April 2018, just before asphalt concrete was laid.

Answer: False

Explanation: All road pillars and spans of the Crimean Bridge were completed by December 2017, with asphalt concrete laid by April 2018.

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When did the construction of the Crimean Bridge officially begin?

Answer: February 2016

Explanation: Official construction of the Crimean Bridge commenced in February 2016.

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Which company was awarded the multibillion-dollar construction contract for the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: Stroygazmontazh

Explanation: Stroygazmontazh, a company owned by Arkady Rotenberg, was awarded the multibillion-dollar construction contract for the Crimean Bridge.

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What was a significant geological challenge faced during the construction of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: The presence of a tectonic fault and numerous mud volcanoes.

Explanation: The construction faced significant geological challenges due to a tectonic fault and approximately 70 mud volcanoes identified in the Kerch Strait.

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What was discovered during the preliminary construction work for the Crimean Bridge in May 2015?

Answer: Over 200 World War II-era bombs and several aeroplanes.

Explanation: Preliminary work in May 2015 included the clearance of over 200 World War II-era bombs and several aeroplanes from the construction area.

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What unique archaeological discovery was made during the Crimean Bridge construction near the Ak-Burun Cape?

Answer: A large Greek terracotta statue.

Explanation: During underwater digging near the Ak-Burun Cape, a part of a large Greek terracotta statue was discovered, a unique finding for the northern Black Sea area.

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What is the maximum water depth at the construction site of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: 9 meters (30 feet)

Explanation: The maximum water depth at the construction site of the Crimean Bridge reaches up to 9 meters (30 feet).

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Who designed the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: Institute Giprostroymost – Saint Petersburg

Explanation: The Crimean Bridge was designed by the Institute Giprostroymost – Saint Petersburg.

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Why was the 'Tuzla route' chosen for the Crimean Bridge over shorter alternatives?

Answer: To avoid interfering with the operational Kerch Strait ferry line.

Explanation: The 'Tuzla route' was chosen over shorter alternatives primarily to avoid interfering with the existing Kerch Strait ferry line.

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Geopolitical Implications and International Response

Russia's primary motivation for building the Kerch Strait bridge after 2014 was to facilitate international trade routes through Crimea.

Answer: False

Explanation: Russia's primary motivation for building the bridge after 2014 was to integrate Crimea into Russia and reduce its dependence on Ukraine, not primarily to facilitate international trade routes.

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The United Nations General Assembly has repeatedly condemned the Crimean Bridge's construction and opening.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Nations General Assembly has indeed repeatedly condemned the construction and opening of the Crimean Bridge, citing its role in facilitating the militarization of Crimea and restricting ship access to Ukrainian ports.

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The Crimean Bridge's height limit of 33 to 35 meters above sea level allowed all ships to pass freely to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The main span's height limit of 33 to 35 meters meant many ships were too large to pass safely to Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea, requiring modifications or restricting access.

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Due to international sanctions, the Crimean Bridge project was insured by a small Crimean company rather than an international firm.

Answer: True

Explanation: Due to the risk of international sanctions, no international insurance company would underwrite the project, leading to a small Crimean company providing the insurance.

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The significance of the Crimean Bridge being considered the longest bridge 'in' Russia is politically nuanced due to the disputed status of Crimea.

Answer: True

Explanation: The classification of the Crimean Bridge as the longest bridge 'in' Russia is indeed politically nuanced, as it depends on one's recognition of Crimea's disputed political status.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared the Crimean Bridge a legitimate military target in July 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: In July 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly declared the Crimean Bridge a legitimate military target for Ukraine, stating it must be 'neutralized'.

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What was a key strategic motivation for Russia to unilaterally build the Kerch Strait bridge after the 2014 annexation of Crimea?

Answer: To reduce Crimea's dependence on Ukraine and integrate it into Russia.

Explanation: A key strategic motivation for Russia was to integrate Crimea into Russia and reduce its dependence on Ukraine, lessening reliance on sea and air links.

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How did the European Union react to Russia's construction of the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: They introduced sanctions against companies involved in the construction.

Explanation: The European Union, along with the United States, introduced sanctions against companies involved in the construction of the Crimean Bridge.

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What was a consequence of the Crimean Bridge's main span height limit on Ukrainian shipping in the Sea of Azov?

Answer: Many ships were too large to pass safely, requiring modifications like cutting masts.

Explanation: The main span's height limit of 33 to 35 meters meant many ships were too large to pass safely to Ukrainian ports, with some requiring modifications like cutting masts.

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When did Russian President Vladimir Putin announce the decision to build a road-rail bridge over the Kerch Strait?

Answer: March 2014

Explanation: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the decision to build a road-rail bridge over the Kerch Strait on March 19, 2014, shortly after the annexation of Crimea.

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What did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declare about the Crimean Bridge in July 2023?

Answer: That it was a legitimate military target for Ukraine and must be 'neutralized'.

Explanation: In July 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared the Crimean Bridge a legitimate military target for Ukraine, stating it must be 'neutralized'.

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Operational Performance and Security Incidents

The road bridge section of the Crimean Bridge was opened for cars and trucks simultaneously on May 16, 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: The road bridge opened for cars on May 16, 2018, but for trucks later, on October 1, 2018.

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The October 8, 2022, explosion on the Crimean Bridge caused the complete collapse of both the road and rail sections, halting all traffic indefinitely.

Answer: False

Explanation: The October 8, 2022, explosion caused portions of the road segment to collapse and a fire on the rail bridge, but limited traffic resumed shortly after, and both sections were fully reopened within months.

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The July 17, 2023, explosion on the Crimean Bridge was attributed to a missile attack, resulting in two fatalities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The July 17, 2023, explosion was attributed to Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels (aquatic drones), not a missile attack, and it did result in two fatalities.

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A new 'maritime brigade' was formed as part of Russia's Southern Military District specifically to protect the Crimean Bridge.

Answer: True

Explanation: In October 2017, a new 'maritime brigade' was indeed formed by the National Guard of Russia, specifically tasked with protecting the Crimean Bridge.

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The opening of the road bridge led to an immediate and significant decrease in retail goods prices across Crimea.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to predictions, a significant fall in retail goods prices in Crimea did not materialize after the road bridge opened.

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During the November 2018 Kerch Strait incident, Russian forces seized Ukrainian vessels and blocked the strait with a cargo ship.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the November 2018 Kerch Strait incident, Russian forces seized Ukrainian vessels and blocked the strait by deliberately placing a large cargo ship under the bridge.

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There is a toll required to cross the Crimean Bridge for all vehicle types.

Answer: False

Explanation: There is no toll required to cross the Crimean Bridge for any vehicle type.

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The August 12, 2023, missile attack on the Crimean Bridge resulted in significant structural damage and a prolonged closure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Russia claimed the August 12, 2023, missile attack was intercepted by air defenses, with traffic resuming shortly after, indicating no significant structural damage or prolonged closure.

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The opening for freight trains on the Crimean Bridge was postponed in October 2019 due to a delay in connecting railroad construction caused by an ancient site discovery.

Answer: True

Explanation: The opening for freight trains was indeed postponed until 2020 due to delays in connecting railroad construction, which was caused by the discovery of an ancient site on the Kerch Peninsula.

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After the Crimean Bridge opened for trucks, truck transportation via the Kerch Strait ferry significantly increased.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the Crimean Bridge opened for trucks in October 2018, truck transportation via the Kerch Strait ferry virtually ceased, rather than increasing.

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When was the rail bridge section of the Crimean Bridge inaugurated?

Answer: December 23, 2019

Explanation: The rail bridge section of the Crimean Bridge was inaugurated on December 23, 2019.

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What was the primary cause of the July 17, 2023, explosion on the Crimean Bridge, according to Ukrainian and Russian sources?

Answer: Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels (aquatic drones).

Explanation: Both Ukrainian and Russian sources indicated that the July 17, 2023, explosions on the Crimean Bridge were caused by Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels, or aquatic drones.

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What specific measure was taken in October 2017 to protect the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: Formation of a new 'maritime brigade' by the National Guard of Russia.

Explanation: In October 2017, a new 'maritime brigade' was formed by the National Guard of Russia specifically to protect the Crimean Bridge.

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How did the opening of the road bridge impact the Kerch Strait ferry's traffic volume?

Answer: The bridge quickly surpassed the ferry, breaking its traffic record within 12 hours.

Explanation: Upon its opening, the road bridge quickly surpassed the Kerch Strait ferry, breaking its previous traffic record within 12 hours.

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What was the effect of the Crimean Bridge on retail goods prices in Crimea?

Answer: Retail goods prices remained largely unchanged, contrary to predictions.

Explanation: Contrary to predictions, retail goods prices in Crimea remained largely unchanged after the bridge's opening, partly due to large retail groups avoiding operations due to sanction risks.

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Is there a toll to cross the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: No, there is no toll.

Explanation: There is no toll required to cross the Crimean Bridge.

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What was the outcome of the August 12, 2023, missile attack on the Crimean Bridge?

Answer: Russia claimed the missiles were intercepted by air defenses, with traffic resuming shortly after.

Explanation: Russia's Defence Ministry reported that the August 12, 2023, missile attack was intercepted by air defenses, and traffic resumed shortly after a temporary closure.

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What was the impact of the Crimean Bridge's opening for trucks on the Kerch Strait ferry line?

Answer: Truck transportation via the ferry virtually ceased.

Explanation: After the Crimean Bridge opened for trucks in October 2018, truck transportation via the Kerch Strait ferry virtually ceased.

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