It is planned to complete construction of North-South transport corridor in 2017, according to Armenian Minister of Transport and Communication Manuk Vardanyan.

“After implementation of the program, Europe-Caucasus-Asia road communication will be improved,” the Minister told journalists after presentation of North-South transport corridor investment programs - Project 1 and Project 2 - adding that the corridor is not only a transit road, but is also connected with the problem of internal transportation in Armenia.

Vardanyan noted that this will be the first high quality concrete road in Armenia, with design speed amounting to 120km/h, thanks to which it will be possible to reach Black Sea from Armenia in 4,5-5 hrs.

He expressed hope for quick selection of a contractor and for starting the construction by the end of the year.

The Minister underlined that during presentation of a program on two highways reconstruction, namely, highway bypassing Yerevan and transport nodal point of Zvartnots airport was presented as alternative to North-South.

On August 2, Ministry of Transport and Communication of Armenia announced an open tender on selection of a contractor-company for construction of the North South transport corridor Project 1 and Project 2, on Yerevan-Ashatarak (11,71 km), Yerevan-Ararat (38 km) and Ashtarak-Talin (42 km) sections.

The total length of North South transport corridor will be 556 km from Armenian-Iranian border to Georgian. Asian Development Bank allotted a USD 500 million worth credit to fund a part of for North-South corridor construction program. The corridor will allow Armenia to become a transit state in regional transportation industry, as well as join the Black Sea circular highway.