As we are coming up to a completion of LOT 1 of the Kobuleti Bypass Project, we want to thank our partners and associates for another successful collaboration!
Kobuleti Bypass Project, a critical infrastructure development that aims to improve traffic flow, safety, and connectivity in the Adjara region. This achievement marks a big step in the overall project, which will have far-reaching implications for trade, transportation, and economic growth in Georgia and the surrounding region.
Georgia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Central Asia provides a big potential for enhancing regional trade and transport links. The country’s proximity to the Black Sea ports of Poti and Batumi, coupled with its connectivity to Russia and Turkey, places it in a key geopolitical position. However, despite these advantages, infrastructure limitations have hindered the full realization of Georgia’s transit economy potential. The Kobuleti Bypass Project addresses these issues by upgrading a vital road corridor that connects the Black Sea coast with major trade routes. The bypass will help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel times, and enhance the capacity of the road network, all of which are essential for improving trade, agriculture, tourism, and overall economic performance in the region. The project road runs through the Adjara region and bypasses the resort town of Kobuleti, located within the administrative boundaries of the Kobuleti district.
The existing Kobuleti bypass road, which stretches from Shekvetili to the Chakvi-Makhinjauri tunnels, has a total length of approximately 31.3 km. The Kobuleti Bypass serves as an alternative to the congested S-2 (E-70) coastal road, which is an extension of the East-West Highway linking Central Asia to Turkey. Prior to the bypass’s development, the S-2 handled approximately 1,500 truck-trailer and semi-trailer vehicles daily, contributing to significant congestion and delays. The bypass will alleviate pressure on the S-2, improving traffic flow and reducing the risk of accidents, while also enhancing the road’s capacity to accommodate increasing freight and passenger traffic.
The Kobuleti Bypass also forms a key part of the regional transport network, linking to the Batumi Bypass, which is currently under construction. This strategic road upgrade will improve connectivity within Georgia and enhance trade and transport routes between the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Central Asia, supporting Georgia's broader economic and geopolitical objectives.
LOT 1 of the Kobuleti Bypass Project, focuses on the preparation of a feasibility study and detailed design for the upgrade of the existing 2-lane bypass to a 4-lane highway. This section of the project includes comprehensive planning and design for the main road, bridges, junctions, and access roads, along with vital utility infrastructure such as electricity, gas, water, and internet lines. Furthermore, a road lighting system has been designed, along with road safety measures to enhance driver visibility and reduce accident risks. In addition, the project includes the preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), ensuring that the development adheres to all necessary regulatory and sustainability standards. In addition to the design work, research and investigation activities have played a crucial role in shaping the project’s development. These include topographic surveys (using advanced Lidar technology), geological studies, and traffic flow analysis. A range of options for the bypass route were developed, with careful comparison to ensure the most efficient and effective solution for both short-term and long-term needs.
As the project progresses, the successful completion of LOT 1 sets a strong foundation for the continued development of the bypass and the realization of its full potential!
