ArmInfo. The restoration and improvement of some sections of the M-6 interstate highway (Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Georgian border) will begin on June 2. The Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technologies of Armenia Ashot Hakobyan stated this at the meeting of the Armenian government on June 1. According to him, within the project it is planned to modernize 18.8 km of the road as a matter of priority. All equipment is already delivered to the site of the forthcoming works. In addition, as a result of the tenders held, the funds were saved, which will be used to expand the program.
In his turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that during his recent visit to Georgia the issue of this road was raised. The thing is, Nikol Pashinyan went on to say that the driver of an expensive bus, delivering tourists to Armenia, having traveled 30 km from Bagratashen, refused to continue the way, explaining his refusal by the neglected state of Armenian roads and unwillingness to spoil the expensive equipment. The prime minister demanded to tighten control over the quality of construction work, noting that both contractors and consultants will be equally responsible in this matter.
To recall, Armenia for the implementation of the project raised 51 million euros from the EIB and $ 50 million from ADB. Credit resources are planned to spend on repair of 92 kilometers of the road. In addition, three tunnels built during the Soviet era will be renovated, as well as 12 out-of-date bridges. Restoration of the M-6 route will significantly reduce the time of travel between Armenia and Georgia, establishing an effective automobile flow and improving the level of services. It is expected that these changes will contribute to improving the level of safety on the roads of the country. According to the Ministry of Transport, this section of the road accounts for about 60% of the freight traffic from Armenia.