October 19 — Road Workers' Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every third Sunday in October, Russia celebrates Road Workers Day, a celebration of those who build and maintain highways, bridges and tunnels, ensuring reliable and safe traffic throughout the country. In 2025, it falls on October 19th, Sunday. On this day, congratulations are given to engineers, designers, surveyors and builders, whose work makes possible the movement and development of the economy. Izvestia tells about the history, traditions and congratulations on the Day of Road Workers.

Road Workers' Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

The professional holiday of road workers was established in 1996 by decree of the President of Russia as the Day of Workers of Motor Transport and Road Facilities. It was originally celebrated on the last Sunday of October, but in 2000 the date was moved to the third Sunday of the month and the celebration received its modern name.

Road Workers' Day symbolizes recognition of the importance of one of the key sectors of Russia's infrastructure — road construction and maintenance. After all, it is thanks to these specialists that millions of citizens can move around the country every day, and the regions receive reliable transport links.

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Roads have always been of strategic importance for Russia. Since ancient times, they have provided trade, military campaigns and cultural development. In the X–XII centuries, there were two main types of routes: local country roads and "great inns" along which trade caravans passed. The first mention of road works dates back to 1015, when Prince Vladimir ordered "to pull tracks and bridge bridges."

Later, during the time of the Golden Horde, a network of pits appeared in Russia — postal stations connecting cities and principalities. Under Ivan the Terrible, the management of this network was transferred to the Yamskaya Hut in 1555, which became the first department in the field of transport logistics.

Peter the Great's reforms gave a new impetus to the road business: the construction of a "promising road" between Moscow and St. Petersburg began. Catherine II introduced the mandatory use of stone in construction and laid the foundations of engineering standards. By the 19th century, the first highways appeared, and in the 20th century, the era of asphalt-concrete roads began, turning the country into a single transport system.

Road Workers' Day in 2025 — traditions

On professional day, road workers receive congratulations from managers, colleagues, government officials and local administrations. The best employees are awarded certificates of honor, titles and awards.

Corporate events, exhibitions of equipment, professional skills competitions and concerts are held at enterprises and regional offices. Often on this day, the results of the construction season are summed up, they talk about completed projects and plans for the coming year.

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Congratulations on the Day of Road Workers

Road Workers' Day is a celebration of strong, responsible and dedicated people. Thanks to them, Russia is moving forward, developing regions and connecting millions of lives. Their work is not just building, but creating a path leading to the future of the country. It is important to celebrate their contribution to the development of the Russian transport system. Here are some congratulations that can be addressed to industry professionals.:

"Congratulations on the Day of Road Workers! Let each new kilometer of the built highway become a symbol of your strength, professionalism and dedication. May there be fewer bumps in life and more smooth, reliable roads to dreams and success."

"Dear road workers! Your work is the foundation of the country's progress. We wish that the roads that you create lead to happiness, well-being and prosperity. May the weather always favor your endeavors, and may your heart rejoice at every completed project."

"Happy Road Workers' Day! May your roads connect cities and hearts, and bring people confidence in the future. May luck accompany every step, and energy and inspiration never leave you for a minute."

"We sincerely thank you for your hard work, dear road workers! You don't just build roads, you create connections that unite the country. May the life of each of you be as solid as concrete and as bright as the lanterns along the new highway."

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of the Day of Conservation Workers in Russia.