Georgia : Preparing the Batumi-Sarpi Bypass Project

Transport / Road transport (non-urban)

The government of Georgia (the government) is investing substantial amounts in the infrastructure needed to take advantage of its location, with emphasis on the country's backbone for transit trade comprised of the East-West and North-South transport corridors. At the end of April 2019, more than 45% of the East-West Highway was completed: about 190 kilometers (km) upgraded and 140 km under construction or with a contractor about to be mobilized. Assistance is being provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Investment Bank, Japanese International Cooperation Agency, and the World Bank.

The ensuing project will (i) construct approximately 12 km of two-lane highway between the terminus of Batumi bypass and the border crossing point at Sarpi (the project road), plus reorganize the arrival area at the international border at Sarpi to improve traffic flow and road safety, and (ii) prepare the scope and specifications for a public-private partnership or concession agreement for a combined highway rest area and logistics facility at the northern terminus of the project road. The project road will provide opportunities for tourism development in the Adjara Black Sea region by reducing travel time along the Black Sea coast and reducing congestion/road safety problems at the busiest border crossing point (Sarpi). It is aligned with the following impact: improvement of regional connectivity in Georgia so that it can play the role of regional transport and logistics hub. The project will have the following outcome: efficiency of road transport along the East-West Highway in Georgia improved. It is consistent with the strategic objectives of ADB's Country Partnership Strategy (2019-2023), and is included in the Country Operations Business Plan for Georgia, 2019-2021.

The ensuing project is very challenging from an engineering and construction perspective. It will include a long tunnel (about 5 km long) and several bridges or viaducts. Preparation of the rest area/logistics facility is also additional since the feasibility and design consultants commenced. Several technical areas will require finalization once the design consultants have concluded their assignment. Given the project's complexity and safeguards impacts, resources will be required to (i) improve and finalize the safeguard documents that are being prepared by the feasibility and design consultants, (ii) assist with strategic procurement planning/ensuring procurement of the project's civil works and consulting services are carried out efficiently and effectively, (iii) prepare a climate risk assessment and management report, and (iv) assess possible private sector options for the highway rest area/logistics facility. In addition, the proposed TRTA will help enhance communication and engagement with project beneficiaries and affected people through tailored communication activities and media.