Georgia opens new section of Samtredia–Grigoleti highway, PM highlights motorway expansion

Georgia has opened the third section of the Samtredia–Grigoleti highway, which links the central transport hub of Samtredia with the Black Sea coastal junction of Grigoleti, connecting the East–West Highway (E60) to the port of Poti and the Adjara region, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze saying the project reflects the country's continued expansion of its motorway network.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kobakhidze said 389 kilometres of highway are now in operation across Georgia, while construction is continuing on a further 60 kilometres.

“The opening of the third section of the Samtredia–Grigoleti highway is further proof that highways in Georgia are being built and developed at a rapid pace,” the Prime Minister said.

The newly opened section is six kilometres long and forms part of the 52-kilometre Samtredia–Grigoleti motorway, which Kobakhidze said is expected to be completed next year.

The Prime Minister added the new route bypasses densely populated areas, reducing travel times by nearly one-third while improving road safety and the efficiency of freight transport.

Kobakhidze said work on major road infrastructure projects would continue across the country. He said the remaining section of the Grigoleti–Kobuleti highway and the Gudauri access road under the Kvesheti–Kobi project are scheduled to open later this year.

He also said international tenders have been launched for the 49-kilometre Tbilisi bypass road and the Batumi–Sarpi highway, while construction is expected to begin in the near future on the remaining section of the Kakheti highway, outstanding sections of the North–South Corridor and the access road to the Anaklia deep-sea port.

Kobakhidze said the Government aims to complete almost the entire planned highway network by 2031, with only one remaining section expected to be finished the following year.