BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.2
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
The construction of a 1,800-meter tunnel on Georgian Rikoti road has been launched, Trend reports via Georgian media.
The new tunnel will be the longest in the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and Infrastructure Minister Maia Tskitishvili inspected the construction process of the Rikoti Pass on February 1.
The prime minister noted that it is the largest infrastructure project, implementation of which has not stopped for a day amid the global pandemic. He added that 2,700 people, including 2,000 Georgians, are currently employed here.
“Rikoti Gorge Modernization Project will significantly improve and halve the travel time. The project includes the construction of 53 bridges and 96 tunnels. The majority of them under construction,” Tskitishvili stated.
The completion of Rikoti Pass Road is scheduled for 2022, and the Shorapani-Argveta section for 2023.
The construction work is actively progressing on the Chumateleti-Khevi (11.7 km), Khevi-Ubisa (12.2 km), and Ubisa-Shorapan (13 km) sections. Construction of the Shorapani-Argveta part will start in the nearest future. Six tunnels are ready. In total, the construction of 39 tunnels and 61 bridges is underway.
The Rikoti Pass modernization is crucial for the Georgian road network development in line with modern standards. The new road will increase transit traffic capacity, raise traffic safety standards and reduce travel time.
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