Widespread Road Closures and Difficult Passages Reported in Armenia
Yerevan, March 6 – The Armenian Rescue Service announced yesterday, March 5, that several roads across the Republic of Armenia are closed or difficult to pass for various types of transport. These conditions are primarily due to adverse weather, prompting an urgent recommendation for all drivers to use winter tires.
Key Road Closures and Restrictions
Among the most significant closures are the roads leading from the “Amberd” high-mountain meteorological station to the Amberd Fortress and Lake Kari in the Aragatsotn Province. Additionally, the Chambarak-Berd highway is completely closed to all types of vehicles.
Specific restrictions are in place for trucks with trailers on several major routes:
- Vardenyats Pass
- Dilijan serpentine roads
- Kapan-Yerevan highway
- Vanadzor-Spitak highway
- Dilijan-Vanadzor highway
Furthermore, the Spitak serpentine roads and the Gyumri-Bavra highway are reported to be difficult to pass for trucks with trailers. Drivers operating these vehicles are advised to exercise extreme caution or seek alternative routes.
International Routes and Safety Measures
According to information received from the Emergency Situations Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the Crisis Management Center of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in North Ossetia, the Stepanakert-Lars highway remains open for all types of vehicles. This provides a crucial international passage despite the internal road challenges.
The Rescue Service reiterates its call for all drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires to ensure safety and prevent accidents on the affected roads. The service continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.
Context of Road Conditions in Armenia
Armenia, with its mountainous terrain, often experiences challenging road conditions during colder months. Heavy snowfall and ice can quickly render certain passes and highways impassable, especially for larger vehicles. The current reports highlight the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness among motorists.
Local authorities and emergency services are working to ensure the safety of travelers and to clear the affected roads as quickly as possible. However, given the extent of the reported difficulties, disruptions to travel are expected to continue.
Drivers planning to travel through the affected regions, particularly in and around Gyumri, the Shirak Province, and other mountainous areas, are strongly encouraged to check the latest road conditions before embarking on their journey. Updates can typically be found on the official websites of the Armenian Rescue Service or local news outlets.
This situation underscores the importance of adherence to winter driving regulations and the necessity of appropriate vehicle preparation to navigate Armenia’s diverse and often demanding road network during adverse weather periods.
The current road conditions are part of a broader pattern of winter weather impacts in the region, which frequently necessitate such closures and advisories to ensure public safety.
Source: https://verelq.am/hy/armenia/show/107189
