Roads Department of Georgia congratulates road engineers on their professional day, which has been celebrated on December 10 since the 80^th of the last century.

First and foremost, we would like to underline that despite the conditions caused by the spread of the coronavirus, the platform projects of the road infrastructure were practically not interrupted and the Department, together with the contractor companies, was working at full capacity.

2020 was remarkably successful in terms of road infrastructure development. This year, GEL 1 billion 271.95 million has been spent on infrastructure development and the budget planned before the pandemic will be performed above the target by the end of the year.

Historically unparalleled large-scale works were completed and a total of 47km long new highways were introduced into operation. Additional 22.3km long will be opened by the end of the year. In total, up to 70 km of highway will be introduced into operation this year, which is a record in the history of the Department.

On the back of newly opened sections, from 2021 the travel time from Tbilisi to Batumi will be reduced by 1 hour and road safety will be significantly improved.

Construction of the project of the century – Rikoti – is actively progressing. 5 tunnels have already been excavated and 3 more tunnels are planned to be excavated by the end of the year. At the moment, works are underway at 53 bridges from 96 bridges and at 39 tunnels from 53 tunnels.  2021 will be a turning point in the implementation of the Rikoti project. In terms of engineering, the Rikoti project is one of the most difficult in Europe, and a similar project has not yet been implemented in the Caucasus.

Construction of Kvesheti-Kobi road and 9 km tunnel has commenced and is in the active phase. The implementation of the project will ensure uninterrupted movement in the region, and will reduce the travel time in the direction of Stepantsminda by 1 hour.

During 2020, rehabilitation and periodic repair of up to 600 km road was carried out in accordance with the original plan. Among them, rehabilitation has been carried out on such important roads as: Gordi-Dzedzileti, Marneuli-Guguti, Khornabuji-Erisimedi, Akhalkalaki-Bavra, Tsesi-Uravi, Dapnari-Japana and many others. 

In addition, within the framework of the local self-government assistance, 113 streets will be rehabilitated in such big cities as Kutaisi, Zugdidi and Poti, out of which 40 streets were already completed and the works are underway at the remaining ones.

Roads Department continues the advancement of the so called mountainous roads project, which is of key importance for regions. In 2021, the construction of the road connecting Sachkhere and Racha will be completed, the construction of the Baghdadi-Abastumani road is underway, and the rehabilitation of up to 70 km of the road to Shatili has already been completed.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Department is deprived of the opportunity this year to hold a traditional event of celebration of Road Engineer’s Day, together with the representatives of this field.

The Department would like to express its gratitude to the staff, contractors, design engineers, and all the agencies and individuals who have contributed to the achievements throughout this challenging year.

Congratulations again on your professional day. We wish you a good health and a significant, your own contribution to the development of the country!