North-South Road Corridor Section from Ashtarak to Gyumri Opened, Improving Connectivity
YEREVAN, April 19 – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today attended the official opening of the northern section of the North-South Road Corridor, connecting Ashtarak to Gyumri. This 84-kilometer segment is a crucial part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at improving transport links across the country.
Officials reported that the Ashtarak-Gyumri road section, approximately 84 km in length, has been constructed as a first-class technical road, allowing for a maximum speed of 90 km/h. The construction was carried out in four phases, with funding from the Armenian government, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank, according to the Prime Minister’s press service.
Key Features of the New Road Section
- Length: Approximately 84 km
- Maximum Speed: 90 km/h
- Lanes: Two lanes in each direction, each 3.6 meters wide
- Safety Zone: A 2-meter wide technical/safety zone for vehicle breakdowns and maintenance
- Interchanges: 19 transport interchanges and 10 bridge crossings
- Agricultural Crossings: 17 crossings for agricultural machinery and underpasses for livestock
- Lighting: Lighting systems at transport interchanges
The construction included an approximately 8 km bypass around the Agarak archaeological site, a 34 km section from Ashtarak to Talin, an 18.7 km section from Talin to Lanjik, and a 23 km section from Lanjik to Gyumri.
The new road significantly enhances traffic safety and provides improved access to residential areas and agricultural lands through newly constructed field roads. The improved infrastructure is expected to boost economic activity and facilitate easier travel between these key regions.
This project underscores Armenia’s commitment to modernizing its transportation network, which is vital for regional connectivity and economic growth. The North-South Road Corridor is a strategic initiative designed to link Armenia’s northern and southern borders, providing a more efficient route for both domestic and international transit.
The opening of this section is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Armenian government and its international partners in developing critical infrastructure projects that benefit the entire nation.
