Asian Development Bank commits $250 million to bypass Tbilisi traffic

The investment focuses on two specific segments of the project: Lot 4, spanning from Tbilisi Airport to Lochini, and Lot 5, which connects Lochini to Rustavi. Beyond the primary four-lane highway, the funding covers the development of essential access and service roads. By redirecting freight and transit vehicles, the bypass seeks to lower vehicle operating costs, decrease urban emissions, and enhance road safety for commuters and international transporters alike.

Lesley Bearman Lahm, ADB Country Director for Georgia, noted that the infrastructure will unlock the country’s geographic potential by improving freight reliability. This project serves as a cornerstone of the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor 2, facilitating smoother regional trade. The approval marks another milestone in the bank's long-term relationship with Georgia, which has seen approximately $6 billion in total assistance since 2007, including $2.3 billion previously directed toward the national road network.