Restrictions imposed on snow-blocked roads in Georgia

Heavy snowfall has blocked several roads in Georgia, and restrictions are in place on other roads following the threat of storm and avalanches.

The Road Department of Georgia imposed restrictions on several roads, mainly in the country’s mountainous regions.

A major restriction has been in place for several days along the eastern, mountainous Gudauri-Kobi road section. Drivers of large trucks have been prevented from using the route since the middle of last week. 

This caused upset among drivers, many of whom were carrying perishable goods in their trucks.

Now the road has been partially opened to trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks and vehicles with more than 30-seat capacity. These vehicles are only allowed to travel through avalanche-protected tunnels and only in one direction.

Officials from the Road Department said vehicles from Kobi had already departed this morning and passed through the risky area, therefore the Department would open the roads to trailer trucks and similar large vehicles to travel from Larsi from Zhinvali.  

On another note, trailer trucks, semi-trailer trucks and other vehicles with more than 30 seats are prohibited from travelling along the 147-188km section of the western Zugdidi-Jvari-Mestia-Lasdili road. The route is open to other traffic. 

All transport is prohibited on the 97-110km section of the eastern Manglisi-Tsalka-Ninotsminda road due to a storm in the area, snow and poor visibility.