Armenia and Iran Collaborate on New Bridge Project Over Araks River

Armenia and Iran are working on a project to construct a new bridge over the Araks River. This was announced in an interview with Sputnik Armenia by the Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Kristine Ghalechyan.

Currently, specialists are conducting a technical and economic study for the further design of the bridge. Ghalechyan stated, “We need to specify the technical parameters for the construction of the bridge. This includes considering the parameters of the existing bridge, particularly its capacity.”

It is possible that the new bridge will be built parallel to the existing one. At the same time, the deputy minister urged not to rush and to wait for the completion of the technical and economic study, which will help determine the length, width, capacity, and other parameters of the new structure.

Regarding the construction of the southernmost section of the “North-South” highway from Agharak, bordering Iran, to Kapan city (32 km), Ghalechyan noted that the active phase of work is expected to begin in February 2024.

“The company needs to mobilize a significant amount of equipment and create a camp. According to our preliminary estimates, physical work will start no later than February 2024. We are waiting for the work plan from the Iranian company,” said Ghalechyan.

It is worth noting that the southernmost section of the “North-South” road is being constructed by the Iranian consortium of “Abad Rahan Pars” and “Ariana Tunnel Sad.” The contract was signed in Yerevan in October 2023. At that time, a decision was made to form a working group from Armenia and Iran to construct another border bridge over the Araks River.

The existing bridge at the border between the two countries has a low capacity. Additionally, the structure built in the last century has already deteriorated. Armenia is modernizing the “Meghri” checkpoint, preparing to implement modern technologies that will expedite the inspection of cargo and the clearance of vehicles.