Asian Development Bank (ADB) issues US$ 415 million for funding construction of Kvesheti-Kobi road and a tunnel.

Construction of Kvesheti-Kobi road is divided into two sections. The project envisages construction of 22.7 km 2-lane asphalt-concrete road, 6 bridges and 5 tunnels, including one 9 km tunnel. 9km tunnel will be 15 meters, which is quite rare not only in Transcaucasia, but also worldwide. In this regard, Kvesheti-Kobi tunnel will enter the list of tunnels with largest diameters.

Kvesheti-Kobi is a part of North-South corridor and has a transit traffic importance. The road passes through the difficult meteorological route and is characterized with heavy snowfalls in the winter period. The new road and 9km tunnel will solve currently existed problems and consequently will ensure free-flow transit traffic at any time of the year.  The tunnel will provide safer and more reliable conditions for road users during winter. In addition to this, a new road will prevent traffic of vehicles in Kazbegi National Park and Gudauri winter resort. 

The road will also improve living conditions of population remained in the gorge, which are isolated from the outside world in winter period. Total of nine villages are affected by the project. 

The new road will allow locals to simplify connection with the outside world. It will contribute to the return of the population to the gorge and the development of SME sector.  

International transit companies from Turkey, Armenia, Ukraine and other countries, local population and tourists are the most common users of the mentioned road. The mentioned route is the shortest from North-South corridor for connecting Central Asia with Europe and East Asia.  

The new road will pass through Kvesheti, Kobi and Caucasus mountains from Northeast side and provide safe and fast movement. Commencement of construction is scheduled for 2020.