Construction to expand Georgia’s Kobuleti bypass by adding two lanes is expected to begin in earnest by the end of 2027, Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze said.
According to the ministry, Sokhadze met with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss preparations for project financing. The parties reviewed technical and economic parameters, financing terms, procurement procedures, engineering designs, road safety, cost estimates, and environmental and social issues. Once the preparatory phase is completed, the project will move to the financing agreement stage.
The expansion is intended to improve road safety, mobility and Georgia’s transit capacity. Together with construction of the Batumi-Sarpi highway, the project will help develop a more integrated road network in the Adjara region. The existing 31.3-kilometer bypass entered service in 2018, but growing traffic volumes prompted plans to expand it.
The proposed project covers approximately 30.7 kilometers and includes new interchanges, bridges and two tunnels measuring 305 and 174 meters. The upgraded highway is expected to allow speeds of up to 120 km/h. Georgia’s environmental authorities issued an environmental decision for the project in late April 2026, following public consultations and an assessment of alternative routes.
