Construction of the Century Dragging On: Complex Tunnels, Unique Arch Bridge, and Most Expensive Road Section Still Not Ready

During a parliamentary hearing, Georgian Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Mzia Giorgobiani announced that the construction of the strategic 23-kilometer Kvesheti-Kobi road will be completed only in 2028. This means a postponement, as in October, Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sohadze assured deputies that the project would be ready in 2027.

The project is divided into two major stages. The first is a 9-kilometer tunnel and its evacuation backup, the construction of which has already been completed. Internal works are currently underway: installation of cladding, ventilation, and engineering systems. This section is the most expensive: its cost reaches 902 million GEL, the contractor is China Railway Tunnel Group Co.

The second stage is a 12.7 km access road, including 5 bridges and 4 tunnels, as well as the reconstruction of another bridge. The work is being carried out by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co. The most labor-intensive part of the project is concentrated here: tunnels ranging from 194 to 1541 meters in length and a unique arch bridge 426 meters long, which is considered one of the most complex elements of the entire route. The cost of this section is 317 million GEL.

According to Giorgobiani, a significant part of the construction work on the second stage is still ongoing. She also noted that the road to Gudauri may open as early as next year, as this section is being built as part of the same project. In total, the project includes 5 tunnels and 5 bridges.

The construction of the highway is financed by the Asian Development Bank ($415 million) and the EBRD ($60 million). Kvesheti-Kobi is considered one of the most significant road projects in the region — it should improve transport links on the Georgian Military Road and reduce the load on problematic sections in winter.