The study of the landslide that took out a new tunnel near the 149th km of the international Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze highway (Rikoti Pass), a crossing between the eastern and western parts of Georgia, is ongoing, the Roads Department said.
“At this stage, a complex study of the landslide site is underway. Topographical, geophysical and geological studies are being carried out. Both local and international specialists are participating in the research, and they will probably present the first conclusion at the end of the week. Based on the analysis of the research results, it will be possible to discuss the restoration of traffic.
On the Chumateleti-Khevi section, a landslide took out a new tunnel some weeks ago. No-one was injured. The construction works on the main road are being supervised by an international company, which itself invited highly qualified Georgian and foreign specialists to look into the landslide, the Roads Department notes.
The Ricoti Pass has been closed to vehicles since March 30 due to the landslide. Drivers traveling to/from Kutaisi must do so via the Gomi-Sachkhere-Chiatura-Zestaponi road. Traffic flows of trailers and semi-trailers are also restricted to the latter.
By Ana Dumbadze
