GD Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze has announced that the government will adopt a strict stance toward the illegal placement of commercial facilities near highways, citing both safety and traffic concerns.
“The Ministry’s approach to unauthorized commercial developments near highways will be as strict as possible,” Sokhadze stated during an inspection visit to the Tsitsamuri–Mtskheta section of the Tbilisi–Senaki–Leselidze international highway.
GD Minister emphasized that such unregulated activity obstructs traffic flow and undermines road safety standards, prompting the government to take decisive action.
The Ministry has already launched infrastructure upgrades on the km23–km24 stretch of the highway, just before the Tsitsamuri–Saguramo–Tskhvarichamia turnoff. This section has been plagued by traffic issues caused by roadside trade and catering facilities, where parked vehicles frequently cause congestion and safety risks.
In response, the Roads Department has developed a project aimed at streamlining access to roadside businesses by constructing a single, isolated entrance and exit for the area. This initiative is designed to significantly improve both traffic organization and road safety.
Scope of the Project:
- Construction of deceleration and acceleration lanes
- Installation of metal safety barriers
- Placement of appropriate road signage
To reduce the impact on drivers, construction will take place primarily during off-peak hours, mainly at night. However, intermittent lane restrictions are expected for east-to-west traffic during the works.
The project covers approximately 2 kilometers of roadway and is expected to be completed within three months.
In parallel with the infrastructure upgrades, the Mtskheta Municipality has initiated legal measures to dismantle all unauthorized structures in the area.
“Along with improving highway traffic, local authorities will enforce the law to remove illegally placed buildings that have contributed to these problems,” said Sokhadze.
These efforts reflect a broader policy shift aimed at enforcing legal standards along Georgia’s major transport corridors, ensuring safer roads, and supporting long-term infrastructure planning.
