ArmInfo.The construction of a new bridge across the Debed River on the territory of the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen checkpoint of the state border of the Republic of Armenia is in full swing, the Road Department SNCO reports.
Construction work started this spring. Drilling works have already been completed, the foundation of the bridge is being strengthened and concreted. "Construction work is being carried out in accordance with the plan," the SNCO informs.
The construction of the new bridge is a joint Armenian-Georgian project funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the governments of Armenia and Georgia. The total budget of the program is about 9 million euros, of which 7.2 million euros are loans from the EBRD, and the remaining 1.8 million euros are the budgetary funds of the two countries. The bridge builder is Ariana Tunnel Dam Co. (Iran), technical supervision is entrusted to the Soosung Engineering Co., Ltd and Korea Consultants International Co., Ltd. (South Korea joint company).
It should be reminded that the project is being implemented within the framework of the loan program "Modernization Program of the Northern Border Points of Armenia" between the Republic of Armenia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), signed on November 23, 2012. The agreement on the construction of the "Friendship Bridge" between Armenia and Georgia was signed on December 24, 2014. According to the project, the "Friendship Bridge" will be 4-lane, which will make it possible to increase the volume of freight traffic between the two states, and improve the quality of passenger service. The new infrastructure project will also save the time of carriers, the passage of people through the checkpoint will be reduced from 15 minutes to 5 minutes, and cargo - from 75 minutes to 25 minutes. Two 5-span reinforced concrete structures will be erected. Two separate parallel bridges will be built one meter apart. One bridge is for entry, the other for exit. The height of the bridge under construction will be 18 meters, width - 11.8 meters, length - 200 meters. Three vehicles will be able to pass in each direction.
