How is Braslav preparing for the II European Games?
Braslav region, as a border area with the "Urbany" international checkpoint, is also concerned about how to create the most comfortable conditions for those who will travel to the European tournament through its territory. 10 months before the start of the Games, a correspondent of "VV" traveled along the road from the checkpoint to the border with the Sharkovshchyna district.
The "Urbany" checkpoint has been under reconstruction for several years. According to the Vitebsk Customs, at the beginning of the work, its throughput capacity was 270 vehicles per day, while the actual traffic flow could reach a thousand cars.
Currently, the second stage of the checkpoint's reconstruction is underway: construction of a platform for trucks and cars, an administrative and production building with customs clearance halls, a channel for oversized cargo, etc. The project for the new road checkpoint includes a full range of infrastructure that meets modern European requirements, including that implemented within the framework of the Latvia — Lithuania — Belarus Cross-border Cooperation Programme. Under the international technical assistance project "Modernization of the infrastructure of the Urbany — Silene checkpoints," it is planned to equip the checkpoint with a modern inspection and screening complex, as well as to reconstruct the road between the checkpoints.
Thus, as noted by the customs authorities, the reconstruction will reduce the time required for customs and border control procedures and will bring the customs clearance process at the Urbany checkpoint to a qualitatively new level.
We also began our movement from the checkpoint gates. The road surface, the cleanliness of the shoulders, and the container sites did not raise any objections. However, a three-kilometer queue of oncoming heavy trucks complicated the movement: transport moving in both directions – from and to the border – had to maneuver on our lane.
Perhaps this problem will not exist when an electronic queue operator appears. As stated in the Braslav District Executive Committee, a decision regarding it will be made in a month or two. And then drivers will wait for their turn in parking lots that are supposed to appear near the border. In the meantime, the queue of trucks ended beyond Urbany. Drivers were bored near their vehicles.
Life was bustling in the village itself. Residents of Latvia were actively shopping in a private store, which had a wide range of goods – food and industrial products, taking into account the demand in the neighboring country. Work was also in full swing in the local club building, which was recently put up for auction. It was not possible to meet its new owner. But local residents said that it would become a multifunctional complex for truck drivers: a store, a cafe, a hotel, showers, and a laundry room. Opposite, earthworks were underway: machines were transporting and spreading soil, a roller was compacting it, and curb stones were being unloaded nearby. The border settlement was being beautified. A beautiful panorama of the church opened up, which was previously hidden by outbuildings.
Imagining ourselves as drivers traveling from afar, we scanned the signs informing us where we could refuel, eat, and see interesting sights. The availability of gas stations is excellent. We counted three within approximately 10 km before exiting Braslav. The most convenient seemed to be the "Tatneft" gas station closest to the border, which had a shop, a small cafe, and spacious rest areas. According to one of the employees, they sell 60 tons of gasoline per day. The gas station operates 24 hours. However, visitors are unlikely to visit the enclosures of the "Braslav Lakes" National Park, the turn-off for which begins near the gas station, as there is no sign indicating their location.
Fuel is dispensed around the clock at the other two gas stations located at the entrance and exit of Braslav.
Dining options are currently more limited. Only the "Suzorye" cafe and the restaurant of a private hotel offer full meals. However, by next year, the restaurant and cafe of the consumer cooperative that went bankrupt in 2018 may have a new owner. Tourists can grab a bite or a cup of coffee at "Kavyarnya" and the cafe on the city beach, along which the international road from the border to Minsk runs.
We also inquired about the availability of ATMs and currency exchange offices. Guests will have no problems with the former. They are available at the bus station, near the "Vitalich" shopping center, the "Belarusbank" branch, and DRSU-142. During business hours, cash withdrawal and exchange are handled by the cash desks of "Belarusbank" and "Belagroprombank" branches. However, exchanging currency after 5:00 PM is problematic.
"No problem," replied guests from Lithuania, "all shops and gas stations accept international cards. And for those who want to be on the safe side, the exchange office at the border operates 24/7."
Guests will also have no difficulty finding the post office and museums. Signs at the entrance already indicate their directions.
This is the current situation. In 2019, Braslav will host "Dazhynki," which means it will become even more beautiful, and new infrastructure facilities will appear.