Baku, Azerbaijan, September 23
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
After completion of repairs on the Baghdati-Abastumani highway, the route from Kutaisi Airport to the Georgian village of Abastumani will be halved, Trend reports citing the Roads Department of Georgia.
Currently, the road from Kutaisi airport to the village of Abastumani takes an average of four hours. After completion of work, this time will be reduced by an average of 1.5 hours, which will contribute to the development of the socio-economic and tourism potential of the region, the Roads Department of Georgia emphasizes.
The work is carried out as part of a project for the development of mountain roads on a six-kilometer section (75km - 81km).
The total length of the road is 61.5 kilometers, and the estimated cost is about 324 million lari (about $110 million). The project began in 2018, its completion is planned in stages until 2022.
This road will significantly increase the level of service and security, reduce the distance and travel time from the central part of Georgia to the Turkish border. Reconstruction of the road will revitalize the region and economic activity. Transit traffic along this road will be limited, the department said.
A tender for the construction of a new bypass road will be announced immediately after completion of the design work.
The main goal of the project is to connect tourist-important regions among themselves, to attract more tourists. Another important goal is to ensure that the road to Abastumani functions not only seven months a year, but throughout the year.
The Roads Department of Georgia notes that not only the regions, but the whole country will benefit from this road. Traffic will be developed in the village of Abastumani, and the country will have a unique, environmentally friendly and clean resort.