ArmInfo. A large-scale reconstruction is underway in the Stepantsminda area to rebuild one of the most challenging sections of the highway leading to the Russian border. The project goes beyond standard repairs, as the Stepantsminda-Gveleti section is effectively being built from scratch, according to Georgia Online.
The standout feature of the project is a two-kilometer bridge, which will become the longest in the country. It is designed to navigate complex mountain terrain and connect Stepantsminda to the area of the new Dariali Tunnel.
The publication notes that the old road has long struggled to handle traffic demands. It is heavily damaged and no longer meets the standards of a modern transit highway. This issue is particularly critical for this route, as it serves as a vital passage across the Caucasus, and winter conditions directly impact both transportation and the daily lives of local residents.
The project is estimated at 215.5 million lari (approximately $82 million), with completion scheduled for 2027.
The new infrastructure is intended to make traffic flow along this section safer and more reliable year- round. For residents of the Kazbegi Municipality, this means more dependable connectivity with the rest of the country, reduced vulnerability to deteriorating road conditions, and unhindered access to essential services.
"For transit, the significance of the project is even greater. The northern route is one of the key transport corridors through the Caucasus, meaning any bottleneck here can cause delays extending far beyond Kazbegi itself.
At the same time, the Stepantsminda-Gveleti construction cannot be viewed in isolation. Comprehensive upgrades are already underway along the northern corridor, including the construction of new tunnels, bridges, and bypasses around hazardous areas. Gradually, the old mountain route is being transformed into a modern transport corridor," the report states.
Recall, the Georgian Military Highway is currently the only overland route connecting Armenia and Russia, while the Kazbegi-Upper Lars checkpoint remains the only operational border crossing on the land frontier between Georgia and Russia. The route is frequently closed due to adverse weather conditions.
