The second Sokolov has already announced the construction of a bridge over the Cheptsa.

      The construction of a bridge over the Cheptsa River between Kirovo-Chepetsk and Slobodsky may begin in 2028. According to Governor Alexander Sokolov, the project is intended to become part of the transportation scheme of the Kirov urban agglomeration and allow residents to travel between cities without the need to go through Kirov.

      Additionally, he stated that the new bridge is viewed as an infrastructure project for the development of areas where residential neighborhoods, social facilities, and enterprises may emerge in the future. It is expected that once work begins, construction could take about two to three years.

      Currently, the region is working on securing federal funding for the project. It is also reported that the implementation of the idea is planned to start after the completion of another major project—the construction of a tunnel under the Trans-Siberian Railway in Novovyatsk.

      Moreover, the issue of bridge construction is not being discussed for the first time. Back in 2021, during the tenure of Governor Igor Vasilyev, former Minister of Transport of the Kirov Region Nikolai Sokolov announced plans for the construction of a new bridge crossing over the Cheptsa. At that time, it was about replacing the floating bridge in the Karintorf area, which regularly faced problems due to water levels.

      During that period, project documentation was prepared, and a positive conclusion from the state expert examination was obtained. It was also reported that funding for the project was planned to be included in the budget formation for 2022–2024. The total length of the bridge crossing, including approaches, was to be nearly three kilometers, and the cost of the work was estimated at 2.2 billion rubles.

      Furthermore, even then, the project was considered part of a future transportation route with the prospect of extending towards Slobodsky.