ArmInfo.The project to restore and modernize the interstate highway Vanadzor-Alaverdi-Georgian border (M-6) caused discontent among local residents and drivers who faced a number of problems.
As reported on January 22 by the press service of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technologies of the Republic of Armenia, the second stage of the road reconstruction is currently being carried out on the road. Work contracts were signed on November 30, 2017. Works must be completed within 900 days from the start of work, which was launched on May 29, 2018. The program provides for the implementation of full-scale earthworks and drilling, to erect engineering structures, to reconstruct the drainage system, sidewalks, roads, etc. However, due to the lack of alternative roads, road construction works are carried out in parallel with heavy traffic. Despite the provision of alternative sites, carriers continue to use the road on which construction work is being carried out. All this led to the fact that the construction work on demolition and removal of the road cover in the sections of 750 meters from Sanahin to Baghramyan were completed, and their restoration due to adverse weather conditions had not yet begun. At present, earthworks and drilling are being conducted in a number of districts of Alaverdi, and the restoration of the section from Sanahin to Baghramian will begin with the optimum humidity of the earth and favorable weather conditions. In order to ensure road cross-country builders regularly carry out repair work. "The ministry and authorities take appropriate measures to minimize inconvenience, and apologizes to the public and drivers," the agency said in a statement.
To recall, for the project implementation, Armenia raised 51 million euros from the European Investment Bank and $ 50 million from the Asian Development Bank. Credit resources will be spent on repairing 92 kilometers of the road. In addition, three tunnels will be repaired, built in Soviet times, as well as 12 obsolete bridges. The project consultant is the French Safege Company. The restoration of the M-6 highway will significantly reduce the travel time between Armenia and Georgia, establishing an efficient traffic flow and increasing the level of services. It is expected that these changes will contribute to improving the level of safety on the country's roads. According to the Ministry of Transport, this section of the road accounts for about 60% of the intensity of cargo transportation from Armenia.