Georgia’s Ministry of Infrastructure has announced the construction of a new 27-kilometer, four-lane highway between Tsitsamuri and Zhinvali, a project to strengthen the country’s North-South transportation corridor.
The planned highway, designed for speeds of up to 120 km/h, will significantly cut travel time between the two points to about 15 minutes. The road will pass through several settlements, including Tsitsamuri, Saguramo, Choporti, Tsitelsopeli, Aragvispiri, Bulachauri, Kubriantkari and Zhinvali.
Design and Construction Features
The project includes 16 bridges, among them two parallel 991-meter structures spanning the Aragvi River, a 415-meter ramp, and bridges over the Tezami, Tsirdalishkhevi, Akhatniskhevi, and Abanoskhevi rivers. No tunnels are planned.
The design was prepared by Italian firms Anas International Enterprise and IRD Engineering, with financial support from the Asian Development Bank.
Environmental and Social Considerations
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the Environmental Supervision Department reviewed three possible alignments. Authorities selected a route that shifts the existing northern bypass several kilometers toward Tsitsamuri. The EIA notes that measures will be taken to minimize risks to the Tbilisi drinking water supply reservoirs which are located in the area.
The Ministry declared the new highway is necessary to accommodate both growing local traffic and increasing international transport volumes, replacing the current two-lane road with a safer and more modern alternative.
Public Consultations
Public discussions on the project will take place on September 23 and 24 in Saguramo, Choporti, Aragvispiri, Bulachauri and Zhinvali. Stakeholders and residents may submit comments or questions to the Environmental Supervision Department until September 29, 2025.
The Ministry has not yet disclosed the overall cost of construction or the expenses related to land acquisition.
