Chairman of Roads Department Irakli Karseladze, together with the representatives of the European Investment Bank mission, inspected design works ongoing on Rikoti pass section. The European Investment Bank will finance construction of 2 sections of Chumateleti-Argveta road. Namely, Construction of Chumateleti-Khevi and Ubisa-Shorapani.

In sum, construction of almost 52 km road is planned at Rikoti Pass, which includes 97 bridges and 53 tunnels approximately. The project will be financed by almost $ 1 billion. Completion of design works is planned by May 2018. The next stage is announcement of bidding on construction works, after which, construction works will be started step by step.

Construction of Rikoti pass section is divided into 4 segments:

Chumateleti-Khevi section (I segment) 11.7 km, Khevi-Ubisa section (II segment) 12.2 km, Ubisa-Shorapani section (III segment) 13 km, Shorapani-Argveta section (IV segment) 14.7.

Chumateleti-Argveta section is part of E60 highway and represents one of the most difficult sections. Modernization of Rikoti pass section is very significant to develop the road section and to ensure compliance with modern standards. Modernization of Rikoti will promote road capacity and increased transit turnout as well as increased safety level and reduced travel time.

About 5000 people will be employed in the construction works of Rikoti pass section.