BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 13
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
The construction of a new bypass route and a tunnel on the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Lars road connecting Georgia with Russia will make it possible not to stop traffic due to the danger of avalanches, Trend reports citing the Georgian media.
In 2020, the Georgian authorities plan to build a new road and a tunnel on the Kvesheti – Kobi section - this is a bypass route of the Kobi – Gudauri section, where in winter there is often the danger of avalanches, so the road closes.
In addition to strategic importance, the construction of a bypass route will make life easier for local residents, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia Maya Tskitishvili said.
"With the Kvesheti-Kobi tunnel, we have the opportunity to open the way to Kazbegi and Kobi to those people who live there and cannot, even in case of illness, get to Tbilisi. This project is focused on the interests and well-being of our citizens," Tskitishvili said.
The Mtskheta – Stepantsminda – Lars road (Georgian Military Highway) is the only road connecting Georgia and Russia. In winter, serious transportation problems arise, due to bad weather trailers and trucks stay in place for days.
The budget of Georgia envisages 50 million lari (over $ 17.4 million) for the construction of a bypass road and a tunnel on the Kvesheti-Kobe section. Georgia will receive more than half of this amount from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
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