Georgia: On the east-west highway Ricoti cross-section, parallel to the historic tunnel of Ricoti, the construction of a new 1800m tunnel has been completed, and vehicle traffic was opened on August 11, 2024.
The new 1800m tunnel, which is under construction, is the longest tunnel on the Ricoti Pass road.
The construction of a new tunnel connecting the main, east, and west of Ricoti has been completed. Therefore, transport movement in this tunnel will soon be stopped.
The new tunnel is fully equipped with every mechanical or electrical road safety system. Of course, with ventilation, direct communication, and messaging systems. Also, the infrastructure needed to manage these systems is being built. It is also essential that the two parallel tunnels will be connected by three evacuations, including one car exit. It can be boldly said that today, the longest tunnels in Georgia will be equipped with all the necessary road safety systems.
Construction of the Shorapani-Argveta section is at its final stage, and intensive work is underway on the Chumateleti-Khevi section. Some of the big ferns are almost finished. Of course, the challenge is on the bending section, where a new road will be set up to switch traffic.
The work will continue, and given the climatic conditions, the roof will also be laid. Therefore, it can be said that with this, the entire construction of the Ricoti section will be completed,” Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze stated while inspecting the new Ricoti tunnel.
From today, car transport will drive through the new tunnel, and rehabilitation works will start in the old tunnel. In the old tunnel, the pavement will be renewed, the lights will be replaced, and the necessary road safety systems will be installed.
For now, motor transport is already using 36 km of the new Ricoti highway, which includes 77 bridges and 43 tunnels. On the Ricoti Pass, a 52 km long 4-lane expressway, 51 tunnels, and 97 bridges are being built. Fifty of Ricoti’s 51 tunnels and 89 of 97 bridges have already been built. The new road takes into account all modern road safety standards, including the lighting system.
