New bypass will shorten travel time to western Georgia

A new section of highway in the western part of the country has opened today.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili opened the 32km new section of Kutaisi bypass of the main highway, in western Georgia.

The highway was built to reduce the traffic travelling between the capital city and Kutaisi city, in the Imereti region. It is believed the bypass will also shorten travel time by 30 minutes.

Officials emphasized that the new section of Kutaisi bypass would improve and modernise the road network, improve traffic flow and increase safety for road users.

The 181 million GEal project was implemented by tbe Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure together with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

While opening the new road section today, PM Garibashvili said developing the country's regional infrastructure was one of the main priorities of the Government. He said all €30 million (73 million GEL) allocated to Georgia by the European Union will spend on the country’s regional development.

He praised the work of the country's Regional Development Minister, Davit Shavliashvili.

This is a significant result, which was achieved by Minister Shavlishvili in only a short time. Over two years, 55km new road sections were added to the main highway, more than 80 bridges were reconstructed and 19 were built. These all are really great but we should continue working to improve the welfare of the population.

Very soon the Government will offer the private sector, and businessmen, to get involved in the Regional Development Project and together we can implement many interesting and commercially profitable projects in Georgia’s regions.” Garibashvili said.

Minister Shavliashvili, chairman of the Department of Roads, representatives of Japanese International Cooperation Agency and the Ambassador of Italy to Georgia attended the opening ceremony of the new road today.