The Roads Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia is actively continuing preparatory works for the construction of the Kvesheti-Kobi road and 9 km long tunnel.

The assembly and testing of a specially designed TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) for the construction of the tunnel is already in the final phase.

The first test turn on of the machine and the rotation of the drilling machine were successfully completed during the testing process. Drilling of the 9 km tunnel will start in September.

TBM is one of the most high-tech tunnelling machines. The construction of the tunnel with this method significantly reduces the impact on the environment and is highly safe. TBM, in parallel with the tunnel boring, provides concrete lining of the tunnel, which further increases the safety standard.

The Kvesheti-Kobi main road and tunnel construction project will ensure the continuous and safe movement of transport in this direction at any time of the year. The existing road passes through difficult geographical route. Due to the heavy snowfall and avalanche hazard in winter, movement on the mentioned road is unsafe. Construction of a new road and tunnel will solve a long-standing problem of movement.

The tunnel, which will be constructed within the framework of the Kvesheti-Kobi highway project, will be 9 km long and 15 meters wide, and its analogue will not exist not only in Georgia but also in the region.