Tite Jishiashvili, director of Caucasian Infrastructure Technology (CIT), says the Infrastructure Ministry’s plan to mandate modified asphalt for road construction starting in 2026 is too vague and requires technical clarification.
“The term ‘modified’ is general. Without clear criteria, companies may use different materials under the same label, risking quality inconsistency and counterfeit products,” Jishiashvili told BMG.
The ministry claims modified asphalt improves durability in both hot and cold climates and enhances road safety. However, Jishiashvili stresses the need to specify whether it refers to polymer-modified bitumen, a material already used in Georgian road projects like Rikoti and Sagarejo, which significantly boosts lifespan.
“We’ve used polymer-modified asphalt in various projects, and it meets international standards. But to move forward, technical standards must be defined,” he said.
He also warned that while improving the top asphalt layer is valuable, most road damage originates from the base layers, which require greater attention.
“Upgrading the surface layer won't fix deeper structural problems. The real focus should be on comprehensive road design and quality-based construction,” Jishiashvili concluded.
