Reconstruction of the Vardenis-Martakert highway continues in the second stage. The funds raised during the 2013 and 2014 Telethons have been geared towards reconstruction. The governments of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh have also allocated funds to help end the large-scale project. Construction will continue alongside the strategic and goal-oriented projects of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and will end in late 2016, reports the press service of Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

According to the source, reconstruction of the Vardenis-Martakert highway is being carried out by five road construction firms at 12 stations. The nearly 116 km highway, which used to be difficult to pass, is 10+ meters wide, 7 meters of which will make up the asphalted part of the road.

Last year, the Fund built artificial structures, including water disposal tubes, structures to protect the coast, curbs and back walls and renovated 17 big and small bridges. Currently, the road is being asphalted. Sidewalks are being built in the parts passing through residential areas, particularly in Getavan and Yeghegnut.

To check and control the quality of asphalt, mineral substances (macadam, sand, organic binds) taken from different stations, samples of produced asphalt and extracts are sent to be checked at laboratories from time to time.

“As of 1 November, the entire road has a more than 49 km, two-layer asphalt cover. The other parts of the road are being built. Road construction will continue round-the-clock, if the temperature is above 10 degrees. In the winter, there will be preparatory work, particularly storage of macadam, sand and other necessary substances, as well as renovation and replenishment of asphalt/concrete and road construction tools and machines to restart activities in the spring. It should be mentioned that the road has been open for cars throughout construction.

By ensuring direct contact between the northern regions of Armenia and Artsakh, the operation of the new highway will not only help sharply reduce the time that is needed to move from one republic to the next via the Goris-Stepanakert highway, but will also help strengthen the relations between villages, contribute to the economic development of the adjacent villages and promote tourism, revitalizing social and economic life in the two republics. The road will also provide visitors with the opportunity to become familiar with our historic and cultural monuments and enjoy the beauty of the nature.

Several infrastructures have been built in the villages near the road over the past couple of years. The residents of Karvatchar and Getavan have regular water supply; Chapar, Upper Horatagh and Vaghuhas have newly built schools, and community centers are under construction in the Getavan and Kotchoghut villages.

An improved highway will not only provide the opportunity to use the social and economic infrastructures that improve the lives of people in the villages, but will also help increase business and development programs to ensure a stable income for villagers and change the quality of their lives,” as stated in the Fund’s press release.