Irakli Karseladze, First Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Chairman of Roads Department, discussed current operations and planned works at Rikoti pass section, in his live broadcast on TV Channel Imedi.

The first lot of Rikoti pass section is the most advanced. Consequently, Khashuri will have a bypass road in 2020. The section from Chumateleti to Argveta interchange is divided into four lots. Contracts were awarded for two lots, Khevi-Ubisa and Ubisa-Shorapani sections, in 2018. Work progress of these two sections is satisfying. Winner has been identified for the first lot and the contract will be awarded in August.  Cleanup activities and preparation works at the first lot will be commenced in this year. As for the fourth lot, bidding will be completed on August 22 after that winner will be identified and contract will be awarded. Rikoti pass road totals 51kilometers. It is one of the most sophistic sections. The project envisages construction of 96 bridges and 53 tunnels, which finally will provide 4-lane highway,” said Karseladze.  

In his interview, Karseladze underlined an importance of modernization of Rikoti pass section for the development of transport network and their compliance with modern standards. “The new road will include all modern standards of road safety, while its parameters will double the speed by meeting safety measures. Completion of East-West corridor will reduce distance by 30 kilometer and halve the travel time. If today it takes 8 hours to get from the Red Bridge to Sarpi, in future 4-4.5 hours will be sufficient,” Karseladze told.